“The reality is that they’re here,” says Scott Eastman, Executive Director for the Siskiyou FamilyYMCA.
Last saturday, Yreka police received a report thattwo mountain lions chased a deer through a trail behind the Siskiyou Family YMCA.
“Being that close….that is something that is raising eyebrows, says Eastman.
In an interview, Eastmansaid people in Northern California are use to the sightings. “Within yreka we’ll spot them occasionally downtown,” Eastman pionted out.
Experts say mountain lionsrange in a size and weight. Some are as small as 3 and half feet.Others areas large as 5 and a half feet.
Mountain lionstypically prey on livestock, but their have been reports of them attacking small pets. Their have also been reports ofthe cats attacking humans as well.
“We’re gonna try to put some signs up along the trail now that we actually have a report as to what has happened,” Eastman said.
Officials at the YMCA saythey regularly cut the grass on the trail and hold activities indoors.
They say those actions are helping people remain safe.
As for homeowners, they say they’re not too concerned about the wild cats.
“I’d be more concerned about people letting their animals go and the mountain lions seeing it as food instead of your household pet,” said Jay Mix, nearby homeowner.
Officials with the Oregon Department of Forestry say the large cats do not pose a threat to local residents.
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