MISSION VIEJO (CNS) - The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has received reports of mountain lion sightings near the crossing of Avery Parkway on the Arroyo Trabuco Trail, city officials reported today.
“Mountain lions hunt deer, which live in the surrounding area, as well as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, rodents, rabbits, etc. They do not typically prey on domestic animals unless an opportunity arises and are solitary, elusive and typically avoid humans as much as possible,'' according to a city statement which notes that cougars ``are helpful in maintaining order in our ecosystem and assist to keep other wildlife numbers in check.''
Anyone who sees a mountain lion is asked to report the sighting immediately to Mission Viejo Animal Services at 949-470-3045 or the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 949-770-6011.
For more information on mountain lions, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
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