Weeks after a mountain lion was reported behind 1075 Main St. in Watsonville, officials say residents should remain alert for the large cats, which have been spotted throughout the county in January.
These mountain lion prints were discovered May 7 in north Santa Cruz County by CalFire.
The Watsonville mountain lion was last seen heading toward Harkins Slough Road on Jan 7. While no photos or videos were captured, Animal Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified at the time.
Residents in the area were advised to bring pets indoors, especially at night; keep a close eye on young children when outside; and never approach a mountain lion. Authorities stress calling 9-1-1 immediately if a sighting occurs.
Mountain lion activity was documented in Davenport and Bonny Doon that same day. Large prints, measuring four to five inches, were photographed Jan. 7 along paths leading from the railroad to the bluff terrace, with a second set extending toward Bonny Doon Beach, according to CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz.
Mountain lions are not uncommon in Santa Cruz County. In May 2025, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple sightings across neighborhoods, including one on Sierra Vista Drive near Aptos Junior High School and the Aptos Polo Grounds. Other sightings that month occurred in Watsonville and Capitola, including animals seen near 14,000 West Beach Street in Watsonville and in an Aptos neighborhood on May 27.
Authorities remind residents of safety precautions when encountering mountain lions: do not run, avoid staring into the animal’s eyes, raise your arms or open your jacket to appear larger, stand tall, back away slowly while facing the lion, make loud noises, and throw objects if necessary. Small children should be picked up and kept close, and pets should remain indoors, particularly at night.
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If you encounter a mountain lion, officials advice to not run and do not stare into its eyes. Spread your arms wide to appear big and make loud noises.
TOP PHOTO: This mountain lion was spotted the morning of May 27 in an Aptos neighborhood.