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Watsonville police warn of mountain lion sighting near Main Street
The announcement was made during a news conference following Nicolás Maduro’s capture
Updated: 3:26 PM PST Jan 7, 2026
The Watsonville Police Department is warning the public thata mountain lion was spotted near Main Street on Wednesday morning. The big cat was reportedly spotted in the area behind 1075 Main Street and was last seen heading toward Harkins Slough Road. “While there are currently no photos or videos of the sighting, we’re sharing this information to remind residents to always remain alert, especially when walking in open or rural areas,” said police on a social media post. Animal Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have been alerted.Residents areadvised by police to: Bring pets indoors, especially at nightKeep a close eye on young children when outside Never approach a mountain lion and call 9-1-1 immediatelyIf you spot a mountain lion, police ask you to: Not runDo not stare into its eyesSpread your arms wide to appear bigger to the mountain lion Make loud noisesThe National Park Service (NPS) advisespeople to make eye contact, while police advise not to stare into their eyes.The National Park Service advises that if you see a mountain lion, you should:Stay calm.Hold your ground or back away slowly.Face the lion and stand upright.Do not approach it (especially if it’s feeding or with kittens).Do not run.Keep children close; pick up small children if possible.Do not crouch down or bend over.If it approaches or acts aggressively, try to look bigger (raise arms/open jacket) and speak firmly and loudly.Throw objects to deter it if needed (escalate if it keeps coming).If it attacks, fight back.Report the sighting/encounter to park officials as soon as possible.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
WATSONVILLE, Calif. —
The Watsonville Police Department is warning the public thata mountain lion was spotted near Main Street on Wednesday morning.
The big cat was reportedly spotted in the area behind 1075 Main Street and was last seen heading toward Harkins Slough Road.
“While there are currently no photos or videos of the sighting, we’re sharing this information to remind residents to always remain alert, especially when walking in open or rural areas,” said police on a social media post.
Animal Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have been alerted.
Residents areadvised by police to:
- Bring pets indoors, especially at night
- Keep a close eye on young children when outside
- Never approach a mountain lion and call 9-1-1 immediately
If you spot a mountain lion, police ask you to:
- Not run
- Do not stare into its eyes
- Spread your arms wide to appear bigger to the mountain lion
- Make loud noises
The National Park Service (NPS) advisespeople to make eye contact, while police advise not to stare into their eyes.
The National Park Service advises that if you see a mountain lion, you should:
- Stay calm.
- Hold your ground or back away slowly.
- Face the lion and stand upright.
- Do not approach it (especially if it’s feeding or with kittens).
- Do not run.
- Keep children close; pick up small children if possible.
- Do not crouch down or bend over.
- If it approaches or acts aggressively, try to look bigger (raise arms/open jacket) and speak firmly and loudly.
- Throw objects to deter it if needed (escalate if it keeps coming).
- If it attacks, fight back.
- Report the sighting/encounter to park officials as soon as possible.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel