Bold warning: a mountain lion is active in the Upper Crystal Falls area near Phoenix Lake in Tuolumne County, and residents should take precautions with children and pets.
A homeowner captured clear footage of a large cougar on a security camera this morning, November 2, 2025, while it sauntered across their driveway before heading back into the nearby woods. The property owners, who asked to remain anonymous, asked Central Sierra Broadcasting to alert neighbors to the potential danger.
This is not the first sighting in the area this fall. In October, another cougar was photographed in the 21000 block of Phoenix Lake Road near Fern Lane, with footage showing the animal walking through a backyard, past a tree, a lawn chair, and a fire pit. It isn’t clear whether this is the same animal or a different cougar roaming the vicinity, but the message for residents remains the same: keep an eye on children and pets when outdoors.
If wildlife is spotted or if an incident occurs, report it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) using the following options:
How to Report
- Online: Use the CDFW Wildlife Incident Reporting system to submit details such as location, date, time, and any photos or videos.
- By Phone:
- For general questions or non-emergency concerns, contact your regional CDFW office.
- For suspected poaching or pollution, call the CDFW Law Enforcement CalTIP hotline (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters).
- Livestock or pet depredation: If a mountain lion has preyed on livestock or pets, contact CDFW to verify the incident and receive guidance on nonlethal prevention measures or a possible depredation permit.
When to Call 911
- If there is an immediate threat to human life or safety.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person.
Residents should remain vigilant and supervise children outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk hours when cougars are more active. Stay informed through local news updates and follow any guidance issued by wildlife authorities.
