Mountain Lion Prowling North Arcata

Residents are urged to call the APD if one is sighted

Humboldt Sentinel
12/31/08
By Sentinel Staff

ARCATA -- A mountain lion has been seen walking east through the grassy area located on the southeast side of the Giuntoli Lane near the Hwy. 101 overpass.

Arcata police officers sent there on Wednesday at about 3 a.m. checked the area without locating the mountain lion. The California Department of Fish & Game has been notified of the sighting.

Residents are urged to tell the Arcata Police Department if a mountain lion is seen near a populated area. The department suggests people who encounter a mountain lion to take the following steps to let the lion know you are not prey:

Give the cat a way out without approaching it.

Remain standing and face the animal; do not crouch.

Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without bending down. Look large; raise your arms and yell.

Don’t run. Running may stimulate the lion’s instinct to chase.

Keep pets and children close to you.

Fight back if attacked.

For additional information, please call Sergeant Whetstine or the on-duty watch commander at (707) 822-2428.