**California Wildlife Officials Urge Residents to Protect Pets After Series of Mountain Lion Attacks**
California wildlife authorities are urging residents of Corral de Tierra, a small Central California town, to secure their pets and livestock after a recent string of mountain lion attacks. Multiple animals—including family dogs, a miniature horse, and goats—have been killed in this Monterey County hamlet, located about 12 miles east of Monterey.
Residents Report Multiple Attacks
According to local television station KSBW, several residents have reported harrowing incidents involving a mountain lion. Corral de Tierra resident Michael Antle described a close encounter: “I could hear rustling on our porch. Our family dog was taken off of our porch. The following night, the lion came for our goat and actually took the goat to the same spot. Didn’t eat either animal, so I think it’s out to kill.” Antle noted that the first attack occurred on December 21, around 12:30 a.m.
Other neighbors have also reported seeing a large animal lurking around their properties in recent weeks.
Wildlife Authorities Confirm Mountain Lion Activity
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed Wednesday afternoon that “mountain lion conflicts” have occurred in and around Corral de Tierra. Department spokesperson Krysten Kellum stated that the exact number of attacks and the number of mountain lions involved remains unknown. She did emphasize, however, that the attacks have typically happened during the late evening and early morning hours—when mountain lions are most active.
“We’ve found that the animals that were killed were not secured for the night,” Kellum said. “That’s all we ask people to do: Bring your dogs in at night and night pen livestock,” she explained, referring to keeping animals in a securely fenced enclosure after dark.
Residents Asked to Report Mountain Lion Encounters
In response to the attacks, the agency is urging residents to document all encounters with mountain lions on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website. “It’s important that people report these incidents,” Kellum said.
The department also recommends several steps to help prevent further incidents:
– **Deer-proof your property** to reduce a mountain lion’s main food source
– **Remove dense vegetation** that could be used as hiding spaces
– **Install outdoor lighting** to deter predators
– **Ensure animal enclosures are secure**, especially at night
Possible Deterrents on the Table
If these measures aren’t effective, Kellum said that other options may be considered, such as trapping and the use of nonlethal projectiles, like paint balls, to safely haze and deter mountain lions. She clarified, however, that the situation in Corral de Tierra has not yet reached that level of severity.
“We just want residents to go through these steps first and not focus on potential worst-case scenarios,” Kellum noted.
Residents are reminded that mountain lions are native to California and generally avoid humans, but securing pets and livestock, and reporting all sightings, is key to keeping both people and wildlife safe.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-12-31/mountain-lion-attacks-on-pets-cattle-rattle-central-california-town