Mountain lion spotted steps from California resident’s front door

Never approach a cougar, experts say.

by Josh DuBose | Feb. 28, 2024

Story at a glance

A Monrovia, Calif. homeowner’s surveillance cameras captured a mountain lion just steps from her front door Sunday night.

In the footage, the big cat is seen gingerly strolling across the homeowner’s driveway before circling and coming just steps from the front porch and then moving out of frame.

Experts give several safety tips if you encounter a mountain lion, such as avoiding running.

MONROVIA, Calif. (KTLA) — A California homeowner’s surveillance cameras captured a mountain lion just steps from her front door Sunday night.

The sighting comes less than a week after residents in neighboring Sierra Madre were warned by officials to be cautious after a mountain lion was seen in the area.

The Monrovia homeowner, who did not want to be identified, told Nexstar’s KTLA that when she noticed the big cat outside at around 7:30 a.m., she checked her home’s cameras from the previous night and found that the mountain lion had made two separate appearances the night before.

Mountain lion spotted Southern California resident's doorstep — A mountain lion was caught on home surveillance cameras just steps from a Monrovia homeowner’s front door on Feb. 25, 2024. (Viewer photo)

In the footage, the big cat is seen gingerly strolling across the homeowner’s driveway before circling and coming just steps from the front porch and then moving out of frame.

Earlier this month, a family in La Verne, California, was alerted to a mountain lion in their backyard after they heard terrifying shrill yelps and guttural noises coming from their giant black schnauzer who was being attacked by the cougar.

Much of the vicious mountain lion attack was captured on the homeowner’s surveillance cameras and can be upsetting to watch. Fortunately, the mountain lion was startled enough to run away when the homeowners made noise, giving their dog a chance to bolt to safety.

The giant schnauzer, named Holly, was treated by a veterinarian for puncture wounds, scratches and an injury that required stitches and was expected to fully recover.

Experts suggest that if you encounter a mountain lion, it’s important to remember these tips:

Do not run, which triggers the animal’s predatory instincts to chase.
Pick up any small children or pets.
Do not turn your back on the animal, but look at its feet and avoid staring at it in the eyes.
Raise your arms over your head to appear larger if the animal is acting aggressively.
Make noise by yelling.
Never approach the cougar.
If there are cubs, be extremely careful not to get between them and the mountain lion.