Wild cat ventures into Southern California residence, encountering a resident man inside his home
In a surprising turn of events, a family in La Verne, California, found themselves face-to-face with a mountain lion in their home. The incident, which occurred in the middle of the afternoon, serves as a stark reminder for residents to take necessary precautions when living in areas where such wildlife encounters are possible.
The mountain lion, which entered the house through an open front door, made a brief appearance in Jeff Tenney's mother's kitchen. Tenney, who was present at the time, managed to capture the encounter on his Ring camera. The footage, which Tenney is sharing with the community, shows the mountain lion exiting the house through the back door, making a loud noise and popping a pool float during its escape from the backyard.
Fortunately, Tenney's dog, Bandit, was sound asleep and unaware of the mountain lion's presence. The mountain lion did come close to Bandit, who was sunbathing in the front yard, but did not attack. In light of this incident, Tenney advises keeping pets indoors or closely supervised.
The neighborhood where the incident occurred is not typically high in the mountains or deep in the woods. Situated in the middle of the Rancho La Verne neighborhood, it is a reminder that such wildlife encounters can happen even in areas not right at the foothills.
Neighbors in La Verne are advised to be cautious of roaming animals and to take the necessary precautions. This includes keeping doors and windows securely closed and locked, supervising children and pets when outdoors, and remaining alert for any signs of mountain lion presence. If you see a mountain lion, do not run or crouch; instead, try to appear large and intimidating. Report any sightings to local authorities or California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Community awareness and communication are crucial to ensure neighbors remain vigilant. So far, no other neighbors have spotted the mountain lion, but Tenney is using the footage to notify the community and increase awareness.
It's important to note that mountain lion attacks on humans are rare in California—with only six fatal attacks since 1890. Residents should remain calm and follow guidelines to reduce risk and avoid provoking the animal. Contacting California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife to report sightings is recommended, though response hours may vary.
By following these practices, residents can help minimize the risk of conflict and promote safety in residential areas experiencing mountain lion presence. Bandit, for one, will not be sunbathing in the front yard for the foreseeable future.
- In the midst of home-and-garden safety precautions, it's advisable for residents of La Verne to also be alert to the potential presence of wildlife, such as mountain lions, especially in surprise encounters like the one experienced by Jeff Tenney.
- As the incident occurred not deep in the woods but in the middle of the Rancho La Verne neighborhood, residents should remember that mountain lion encounters can occur in unexpected lifestyle settings, reinforcing the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety guidelines.
