Rio Dell officials are warning residents to keep their children and pets indoors following a series of mountain lion sightings near ravines frequented by children along the river bar and in neighborhoods along Riverside and Eeloa avenues on the east side of U.S. Highway 101.

The city warns that the sightings have taken place during the day and there have been to two reports of dogs being attacked, one of which died as a result. According to the release, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been notified.


News release from the city of Rio Dell:

Residents of Rio Dell need to be made aware of recently reported Mountain Lion activity within the City. Sightings of the Mountain lion have taken place along the river bar and within residential neighborhoods along Riverside and Eeloa Avenues, East of Highway 101. The Mountain Lion has been seen in nearby ravines that are frequented by children. Mountain Lion sightings are not uncommon in Rio Dell, however this Lion’s activity is unusual in that sightings have occurred during daylight hours in addition to reports of two separate canine attacks that resulted in the death of one of the animals. Residents are encouraged to use caution and keep children and pets indoors. The City has contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on this matter.