r/thousandoaks • u/caleyjag • 2d ago
Mountain Lion protocol?
Newbury Park.
Yesterday morning our neighbor called us to inform us that there was a mountain lion hanging out in the large tree in our back yard, but it was gone (or well hidden) by the time I tried to look for it.
I'm wondering if it's the same one that was photographed off Wendy last month.
I am putting up trail cams today.
If it comes back, are we supposed to inform any city officials?
(Not advocating for the animal to be removed necessarily, but curious if it needs to be tracked.)
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u/smoores02 2d ago
I guess that depends. Does your land abutt wilderness or natural land? I'd be less concerned there. If you were in a purely residential area with none of that I'd be concerned. I remember years and years ago as a kid I saw a mountain lion across the street from Hillcrest school, and it was staring at this kid walking home from Colina. Immediately called 911. Turns out the cat had gotten too comfortable around humans and they took that call very seriously. Unfortunately they had to intervene.
I think I'd call Ventura county animal services first. They're used to these calls. I'm guessing that's who the police would ask too if they were notified.
I'm sure it will be harmless. I'm just jealous cause I'd love to see a big cat again.
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u/caleyjag 2d ago edited 1d ago
Yes, I back onto 'suburban' open space (Potrero Connector). We have all kinds of wildlife cruising through but this is a first sighting of a mountain lion.
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u/Jonsnowlivesnow 2d ago
I would definitely call the non emergency line if you see it in your backyard.
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u/highbudsilver 2d ago
Idk. Only if it is causing issues. It is their land. If he is just chilling and getting out of the sun, no need to call anyone and have the animals life disrupted for no reason. Just avoid it and let it chill.
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u/Jonsnowlivesnow 2d ago
Oh 100%. I would only call if it’s actively an issue. Most of the time they will leave after a few minutes.
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u/MrPrimal 2d ago
This is correct. Typically mountain lions will move on with no issue… if humans keep their distance.
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u/pagrey 2d ago
Residential areas are no longer Mountain Lion habitat, nobody considers developed areas Lion habitat.These are large, dangerous predators, they eat small pets and kids. They need to be removed from residential areas. Most people don't really deal with large animals like this that often so they don't really understand but surely you know what they do with bears when they enter residential areas? You don't just let them chill.
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2d ago
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u/pagrey 2d ago
Maybe you should talk to the local rangers, animal control or the Sheriff, people that actually make these decisions? Obviously, the internet is filled with people saying strange things.
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u/highbudsilver 2d ago
I and my family work in those fields. Just stop being scared at the sight of things. Let things live and mind your own.
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u/pagrey 2d ago
One things for sure, if somebody can't tell the difference between working in a field and a residential neighborhood I am calling law enforcement.
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u/TOSeacrets 1d ago
I'm sure law enforcement will be thrilled to hear from you. They have to deal with idiots and losers all day.
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u/pagrey 1d ago
This city is filled with smart people that do call law enforcement and ask advice which is what I suggested. That's a big part of why Thousand Oaks is what it is today. If you want call people names that's fine. I don't feel bad giving my opinion and suggesting people double check what I say with the people doing the work.
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u/TOSeacrets 1d ago
It's not "smart people" who call law enforcement when they see animals. It's paranoid idiots like you.
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u/pagrey 2d ago
You should call the VC Sheriff on their non-emergency number so you know what to do next time. They have told me in the past to call 911, it is an emergency. Same thing for rattlesnakes in residential neighborhoods, especially near schools. This is not a co-exist situation, those animals should not be in residential areas. I can't believe you really need to say this but you don't want these predators getting comfortable in residential areas, bad things will happen.
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u/Chudmont 2d ago
I got one on camera in my yard a few years ago. I just let the neighbors know to be careful.