Big cats spotted in Arcata

Neither mountain lion “incident” involved aggressive behavior

Humboldt Sentinel staff
7/16/09

Arcata

Either two mountain lions were spotted yesterday, or the same one was spotted twice in different neighborhoods of Arcata.

The first sighting was early in the morning, when a member of the public reported a mountain lion near Anderson Lane in SunnyBrae. Arcata Police Department officers checked the area, but did not locate the animal.

Late in the afternoon, a second sighting was reported in between Greenbriar Lane and Hilltop Court off of California Avenue, in the hills just north of Humboldt State University. APD units responding were equally unable to locate the cat.

APD sergeant Dave Brown warned the community that mountain lion sightings are not uncommon in the city, usually in areas bordering the forest. He cautioned residents on the edge of town not to leave pet food outside and to be more aware during early morning and evening hours.

If a mountain lion is encountered, citizens are advised to make themselves appear larger by waving your hands overhead and yelling, which may be useful in scaring the animal away.

APD asks anyone encountering a mountain lion in Arcata to contact them at (707) 822-2424.