At a Glance
- A baby mountain lion was seen dozing on Hillcrest Parkway near Olympic Street in Castaic at 1 a.m. Wednesday
- Two other mountain lions were observed nearby in the residential area
- The cub left the roadway at 2:30 a.m. and retreated into a backyard
- Why it matters: The close encounter highlights growing wildlife activity in urban-edge neighborhoods
A young mountain lion captured on video early Wednesday appeared to fall asleep in the middle of a Castaic road, prompting a response from California Highway Patrol officers and state wildlife agents.
Nighttime Encounter on Hillcrest Parkway
The cub was first spotted at about 1 a.m. on Hillcrest Parkway near Olympic Street. Footage shows the animal lying near the centerline, eyes closing at times. It remained unclear whether the lion was injured or simply resting.
While officers monitored the situation, two additional mountain lions were seen roaming the surrounding residential blocks. The trio’s presence after midnight drew concern from local residents and law-enforcement personnel.
Cub Leaves Scene Without Incident
After approximately 90 minutes, the cub rose and scampered into a nearby backyard at roughly 2:30 a.m. California Highway Patrol units stayed on-site to keep traffic and onlookers away until California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel arrived.
No injuries to humans or animals were reported. Officials did not disclose whether the other two lions were still in the area.
Mountain Lion Population in California
State biologists estimate 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions live across California, though they caution the figure is a crude approximation because no comprehensive statewide study is underway. More than half of California’s land is considered suitable habitat, and the cats follow deer populations wherever they occur.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife receives hundreds of sighting reports annually. Few incidents result in the animals being labeled an imminent public-safety threat. Attacks on humans remain extremely rare, and the species typically avoids contact with people.
Safety Guidelines for Mountain Lion Encounters
Wildlife officials advise residents and outdoor enthusiasts to take the following precautions:
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone
- Stay alert on trails
- Avoid outdoor exercise at dawn, dusk, or night when lions are most active
- Keep children within sight
- Keep dogs leashed; off-leash pets are at higher risk of attack
- Never approach a mountain lion
- Always leave the animal an escape route
If confronted:
- Do not run; running can trigger a chase response
- Face the animal, remain calm, and make noise
- Appear larger by waving arms or opening a jacket
- Throw rocks or objects without turning your back
- Pick up small children without bending over
- Speak calmly; avoid high-pitched screams
- Teach companions the same behavior
Anyone attacked should fight back using any available object-rocks, sticks, garden tools, even a pen-while trying to stay upright and protect the head and neck. Immediately call 911 if an attack occurs.
Report unusual mountain-lion behavior to the nearest regional California Department of Fish and Wildlife office.
Key Takeaways
- The Castaic cub sighting is one of hundreds logged each year statewide
- Most encounters end without conflict when people follow safety guidelines
- Wildlife officers remind residents that mountain lions are native predators that generally avoid humans when given space
