Possible mountain lion sighting at River Run park

The Bakersfield Police Department is informing the community of a possible mountain lion sighting in Bakersfield. 17's Lina Washington received the attached photograph through social media. The person who posted the photograph indicated that the picture was taken at 9:30 am on Friday, April 18, 2014, at "River Run between Stockdale Hwy. and Allen Rd."

The Bakersfield Police Department is reminding people that areas of Bakersfield are the natural habitat for mountain lions and reminds people using the bike path or who spot a mountain lion anywhere to employ the following safety guidelines issued by the California Department of Wildlife:

Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country

Mountain lions are quiet, solitary and elusive, and typically avoid people.

Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. However, conflicts are increasing as California’s human population expands into mountain lion habitat.

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
   
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active — dawn, dusk, and at night.
   
• Keep a close watch on small children.
   
• Do not approach a mountain lion.
   
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
   
• Pick up small children.
   
• If attacked, fight back.
   
• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

Additional information can be found on the California Department of Wildlife website at:

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/lion.html

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.