The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public of a mountain lion sighting that occurred this morning in Downieville.
According to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office in an online post, a county maintenance worker encountered a mountain lion at about 5:25 a.m. on Wednesday outside the Downieville Courthouse. Officials said the animal ran in the direction of the medical clinic after seeing the worker.
The sheriff’s office noted that while mountain lion sightings are not uncommon in Sierra County, activity within town limits, especially near homes, increases the chance of encounters between people and wildlife.
Residents and visitors are being asked to stay alert and report any mountain lion sightings in or around Downieville. Officials said quick reporting helps the sheriff’s office and partner agencies coordinate response efforts.
To lower the risk of wildlife encounters, officials advise avoiding walking alone during dawn and dusk when mountain lions are most active, keeping children close and supervised outdoors, not allowing pets outside unattended, keeping dogs leashed, and securing garbage, along with removing outdoor attractants such as pet food.
They also advise that if someone encounters a mountain lion, they should not run, should stand their ground, make themselves appear larger, and back away slowly.
Sightings can be reported by contacting Sheriff’s Dispatch at (530) 289-3700, available 24/7, or by emailing wildlifeconflict@sierracounty.ca.gov. Officials said that including photos or videos of the animal can be helpful when submitting reports by email.
(The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office contributed to this story.)
