Caught on Camera: Mountain Lion Spotted in Two Milpitas Neighborhoods
Milpitas, California – Residents of two neighborhoods in Milpitas experienced an unexpected visitor early Wednesday morning. A mountain lion was caught on security cameras in two separate locations within hours of each other, sparking concerns and a swift response from local authorities.
The first sighting occurred at around 2 a.m. in the Friendly Village Mobile Home Park on Dixon Landing Road.
A resident’s home security system captured footage of the mountain lion, initially mistaking it for a large house cat.
“I thought it’s a cat because a lot of cats in this area. I talked to my friend, and he said, ‘No, it’s a mountain lion,'” recounted Ai Phi, a local resident.
Despite the rarity of such an event in this urban setting, the proximity of mountainous terrain to these neighborhoods provides a plausible explanation.
Mountain lions, known for their vast territorial range, are occasionally drawn into urban areas in search of food. Roaming house cats, raccoons, and other small urban wildlife are potential attractants for these apex predators.
Just two and a half hours after the initial sighting, a second report came in from Fairmeadow Way, approximately two miles south of the mobile home park.
Milpitas Police Detective Michelle Sanchez confirmed the sightings and noted the efforts made by the police department to locate the mountain lion using drones equipped with thermal imaging. Despite these efforts, the mountain lion remained elusive.
Given the proximity and timing of the sightings, it remains uncertain whether they involved the same animal. Nonetheless, the Milpitas Police Department has issued advisories to local residents, urging them to exercise caution.
“If you have small pets, please consider bringing them indoors when unattended and always keep animals on a leash when out on a walk,” the police advised.
Residents are also encouraged to make themselves appear larger and to use loud, firm voices if they encounter the mountain lion. Running, which can trigger a predatory chase response, is strongly discouraged. The authorities have requested that any further sightings be reported immediately by calling 911.
The increased prevalence of home security systems and video doorbells has likely contributed to the detection and documentation of these sightings. Detective Sanchez highlighted that over half of American households now have such surveillance equipment, which aids in the timely reporting of unusual wildlife activity.
“I think that it may be he comes back, looking for food or something,” Mr. Phi speculated, reflecting a common concern among residents. The community’s reaction underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation with local wildlife authorities to ensure public safety.
These mountain lion sightings in Milpitas are part of a broader pattern of wildlife encroaching into urban areas across the United States. This phenomenon often stems from habitat loss and the adaptation of wildlife to urban environments.
Similar to the re-emergence of beavers in Kent, England, as reported by the BBC, these encounters illustrate the complex dynamics between urban development and wildlife habitats.
In Kent, the reintroduction and subsequent proliferation of beavers after centuries of extinction highlight a successful effort to restore and manage wildlife populations.