A Bold Wake-Up Call: A mountain lion is roaming in Upper Crystal Falls, and neighbors deserve to know now. A homeowner near Phoenix Lake in Tuolumne County captured footage of a large cat on a security camera and is urging residents to stay vigilant. The sighting occurred in the early hours of November 2, 2025, as the cougar calmly crossed the driveway before vanishing into nearby woods. The owners, who asked to remain anonymous, asked Central Sierra Broadcasting to spread the warning about a potentially active big cat in the Upper Crystal Falls area.
This isn’t the first sighting in the area this season. In October, a cougar was seen 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 cougar or a different one patrolling the neighborhood. Regardless, households should supervise children and pets outdoors and take precautions to reduce attractants.
Reporting in cases of mountain lion activity is essential for safety. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) provides clear steps for reporting sightings or incidents:
How to Report:
- Online: Use the CDFW Wildlife Incident Reporting system to log details such as location, date, time, and attach photos or videos.
- By Phone:
- For general questions or non-emergencies, contact your regional CDFW office.
- For suspected poaching or pollution, call the CDFW Law Enforcement CalTIP hotline (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters).
- If a lion has preyed on livestock or pets, contact CDFW to confirm the incident and receive guidance on nonlethal prevention or—if necessary—issue a depredation permit.
When to Call 911:
- If there is an immediate threat to human life or safety.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person.
Stay alert, and remember that mountains lions generally avoid people, but they can be unpredictable, especially with food sources nearby. Keeping children and pets supervised outdoors, securing attractants such as pet food and garbage, and reporting sightings promptly can help prevent dangerous encounters. If you have additional observations or questions about this specific sighting, share them with local authorities or your community channel to keep everyone informed.
