Mountain lions are making their way into urban areas more often, particularly in places like San Francisco. A biologist, Dr. Granados, noted that declining natural habitats in the south are pushing these big cats further into the city. As a result, the Central Coast mountain lion population faces grave threats and is now a candidate for the endangered species list. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is expected to make a decision on this soon.
Granados explained that there isn’t enough protected land for mountain lions, whose home ranges can vary from 20 to 100 square miles. This lack of space makes survival tough for these animals. Recently, city residents have spotted a mountain lion near Lafayette Park, primarily during nighttime hours.
One resident, Roxanne Blank, had a striking close encounter when she found the mountain lion on her porch at 3 a.m. She described the moment saying, “I just locked eyes with the mountain lion for over five minutes. We just really stared at each other.” Blank’s dog soon started barking, which scared the lion away. However, it left behind noticeable claw marks.
The city’s Recreation and Park department temporarily closed the park to search for the lion but reopened it later without any sign of the animal. Officials reported sightings of the mountain lion near Pacific Avenue and Octavia Street, suggesting that it is still in the area. Interestingly, the last confirmed sighting in San Francisco was back in 2021.
This situation highlights the ongoing trend of wildlife encroaching on urban spaces. According to a recent survey by the National Park Service, urban wildlife sightings have increased by 50% over the last decade. As more natural habitats diminish, we may see more interactions like those in San Francisco. The need for conservation efforts to protect both animals and their habitats is more urgent than ever.
For more information on the state of wildlife in urban areas, check out the wildlife reports from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
