York Mountain Lion Has Some Concerned

By: Megan Johnson - Email

Updated: Thu 9:38 PM, Jul 05, 2012

Previous Coverage:
Morgan Demmel reports that
cougars are making a
comeback.

Sheriff Dale Radcliff and his wife were walking in eastern York when they saw something they didn't expect.

"We were approaching the last couple blocks that go north there and I happened to look up and made a comment to my wife, I said, 'look at the size of that cat coming across that yard," says Radcliff.

But it wasn't a house cat, it was a mountain lion.

Radcliff says the cat turned up the street and was about a block away before it saw them.

"When it crouched down I said, 'stop, we have to stop,' and about that time it got up," he says. "It never made any intentions of coming towards us or anything like that, it just kind of looked at us and quietly walked into the cornfield."

Radcliff says a mountain lion had been spotted in that same area of town before and since his sighting. York's mayor has expressed concern with Nebraska Game and Parks officials because there have been reports near the middle school and swimming pool.

But, no matter where you live, if you do encounter a mountain lion, there are a few things to remember: it's important not to get any closer, but don't run away and don't turn your back on it either. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recommends using your arms, backpack, or a coat if you're wearing one to make yourself appear larger. If you're with kids, pick them up so they're not tempted to run away either. If the unlikely happens and the cougar does attack, use your fists, rocks, or sticks, to fight back.

"If they turn around don't run - keep watching them because they might leave at that point but they'll probably come back," says Radcliff.

The York Police Department says people should call 911 immediately so an officer can check the location if they see a mountain lion. Officers say it's helpful to keep the cat in sight, but only if you can view it safely from a car or your house.

"We were surprised that he didn't notice us first, but it just seemed like when he looked over there and crouched down, I think that's the point that we feel that he saw us and noticed us, why we got within a block from it - it still surprises my wife and I," says Radcliff.

Radcliff says people shouldn't be afraid, but should take extra care and keep an eye out when walking or biking around the area.

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