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Published: 1:33 pm Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011

Mountain lion sighted in Pismo Beach

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By Cynthia Lambert

Pismo Beach police are warning local residents of a recent mountain lion sighting near Chumash Park in south Pismo Beach.

Police received one report Tuesday from someone walking a dog along a path in a greenbelt area located about 100 yards from the park, said Sgt. David Cooley, who responded to the area and talked to several other people who had also spotted the animal.

Police determined it was a confirmed sighting and posted warnings at the park.

“The reason there’s concern is there’s a lot of people that walk that pathway,” Cooley said. Parents also bring their children to play at Chumash Park, he said.

“It’s a bit of wilderness out in that area,” he added. “We’ve had bobcat out there, and there were rabbits running all over the place.”

Police are warning people to use caution, keep a close watch on small children, and avoid hiking, biking or running alone or when mountain lions are most active — at dawn, dusk and at night.

People are advised not to run if they encounter a mountain lion; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving arms and throwing rocks or other objects. If attacked, fight back. Police are asking residents who see a mountain lion in Pismo Beach to call 773-2208 or 911.

Chumash Park is a 38-acre park located on Ventana Drive that includes wetlands, willows and oaks, a trail system and playground.

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