6 times mountain lions roamed – and were caught on camera

Encounters with mountain lions filmed in neighborhoods have sparked concern and public fascination. From a man recognizing a cougar in a tree to a dog surviving an attack, these incidents highlight the growing interactions between humans and wildlife.

Surveillance footage from California and elsewhere shows these creatures, prompting authorities to advise residents on safety measures while appreciating the rarity of such sightings.

The summary above was written using AI tools and edited by journalists from our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and firefighters removed a mountain lion from a Utah neighborhood after someone spotted it perched high in the branches of a tree, video shows.

NO. 1: MAN THINKS CAT IN TREE “DOESN’T LOOK GOOD” – THEN REALIZES IT’S REALLY A MOUNTAIN LION

“It’s not your typical ‘cat stuck in a tree’ cry, that’s for sure!” The Utah Fire Department said about the incident. | Published on February 2, 2024 | Read the full story

NO. 2: MOUNTAIN LION SPOTTED ON HOME SURVEILLANCE CAMERA IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NEIGHBORHOOD

Mountain lion sightings have gained prominence since a deadly attack on two brothers last spring near Georgetown. | Published on September 5, 2024 | Read Chris Biderman’s full story

NO. 3: Elusive big cat spotted wandering California backyards in the middle of the night

See his excursions on home surveillance cameras. | Published on May 30, 2024 | Read Brooke Baitinger’s full story

NO. 4: A LARGE MOUNTAIN LION CAUGHT ON CAMERA WALKING IN A YARD IN CALIFORNIA

“I’m more of a day person, so I take the day off and they can spend the night,” resident Jackie Winston said. | Published on July 29, 2024 | Read Kathe Tanner’s full story

NO. 5: RARE, “UNINVITED VISITOR” SEEN PROWERING IN THE DARK OUTSIDE OKLAHOMA HOUSE, VIDEO SHOWS

“Don’t try to approach it,” residents warned. | Published on April 17, 2024 | Read Mitchell Willetts’ full story

NO. 6: SEE A PET DOG SURVIVE ATTACK BY A MOUNTAIN LION THAT ENTERED CALIFORNIA’S BACKYARD

Some viewers may find the footage upsetting to watch. | Published on February 14, 2024 | Read David Caraccio’s full story

This report was produced using AI tools, which summarized previous articles reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists from our News division.