SLO trails closed after mountain lion sightings. Here’s where the big cats were seen

The Irish Hills Natural Reserve and Johnson Ranch open spaces near Prefumo Canyon in San Luis Obispo are closed after multiple mountain lion sightings in the past few days.

Closures were announced Sunday afternoon via social media posts by the San Luis Obispo Parks & Recreation Department. A wildlife advisory has been issued.

“Both open spaces are temporarily closed to the public, including hiking and biking trails,” the postings on Instagram and Twitter noted. “These sightings happen occasionally this time of year, but please take caution when out and about.”

In September the trail to Cerro San Luis, known as Madonna Mountain, was closed because of multiple mountain lion sightings. From 2015 to 2017, more than 100 mountain lion sightings were reported across San Luis Obispo County.

However, since 1986 there have been no mountain lion attacks reported in the county, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Statewide, there have been 20, with three fatalities.

On Nov. 14, a woman and her dog were in a “staring contest with a mountain lion” at a mobile home park in San Luis Obispo.

According to the city of San Luis Obispo website, visiting a closed open space will result in a citation. The trail status currently shows that the Righetti Hill Open Space is closed as well, though it is unclear if this is related to mountain lion sightings.

Authorities continue to monitor the Irish Hills Natural Reserve and Johnson Ranch areas for any new mountain lion sightings.

The city offered this reminder: “If you are involved in a close face-to-face encounter with a mountain lion, please DO NOT approach it or run away. Leave the area by backing away slowly and give the lion a path to leave. If you need assistance, call 911 immediately.”

This story was originally published November 20, 2022 at 1:58 PM.