Mountain Lion Spotted in Belmont Neighborhood

Belmont Police received a report that a mountain lion was spotted Friday night at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 3200 block of East Laurel Creek.

Authorities could not locate the mountain lion, so the Department of Fish and Game was notified.

Authorities would like to remind locals that we share Belmont with wildlife. 

The police department said, in a message sent out Friday to residents and members of the neighborhood group Nextdoor.com, "Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare."

The department offered the following facts and reminders for local residents: 

• Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions. 
• "Deer-proof" your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage from the Deptartment of Fish and Game.
• Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions. 
• Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended. 
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house. 
• Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats and other vulnerable animals. 
• Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night. 
• Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.

Stay up-to-date on the latest mountain lion sightings and public safety news such as this - follow Patch!

Sign up for our daily newsletter | Like Belmont Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Start your own blog