6 times mountain lions were wandering around — and got caught on camera

Mountain lion encounters caught on camera in neighborhoods are raising concerns and capturing public fascination. From a man recognizing a cougar in a tree to a dog surviving an attack, these incidents highlight the growing interactions between humans and wildlife.

Surveillance footage from California and beyond showcases these creatures, prompting officials to advise residents on safety measures while also appreciating the rarity of these sightings.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

NO. 1: MAN THINKS CAT IN TREE ‘DOESN’T LOOK RIGHT’ — THEN REALIZES IT’S REALLY A MOUNTAIN LION

“Not your typical ‘cat stuck in a tree’ call, that’s for sure!” Utah firefighters said of the incident. | Published February 2, 2024 | Read Full Story

NO. 2: MOUNTAIN LION SPOTTED ON HOME SURVEILLANCE CAMERA IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NEIGHBORHOOD

Mountain lion sightings have grown in prominence since a deadly attack on two brothers last spring near Georgetown. | Published September 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Biderman

NO. 3: ELUSIVE BIG CAT SPOTTED ROAMING THROUGH CALIFORNIA BACKYARDS IN MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

See its excursions on home surveillance cameras. | Published May 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brooke Baitinger

NO. 4: LARGE MOUNTAIN LION CAUGHT ON CAMERA STROLLING THROUGH YARD IN CALIFORNIA

“I’m kind of a day person, so I’ll take the day and they can have the night,” said resident Jackie Winston. | Published July 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kathe Tanner

NO. 5: RARE, ‘UNINVITED VISITOR’ SEEN PROWLING IN THE DARK OUTSIDE OKLAHOMA HOME, VIDEO SHOWS

”Don’t try to approach it,” police warned residents. | Published April 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mitchell Willetts

NO. 6: SEE PET DOG SURVIVE ATTACK FROM MOUNTAIN LION ATTACK WHO GOT INTO CALIFORNIA BACKYARD

Some viewers may find the footage upsetting to watch. | Published February 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.