Police received a report of a mountain lion, or possibly just a raccoon, spotted in south Redlands Sunday, officials said.
Nobody actually saw the entire animal, but it was heard making noise in a tree in the 12000 block of South Lane, according to a police Facebook post Monday afternoon.
A police statement Sunday, which was shared widely on social media, indicated the department had received several reports of a large cat in south Redlands.
But a witness reported the animal had a black and gray tail, leading animal control officers to believe it was a raccoon and not a mountain lion or bobcat. Officials believe the animal left during the night because it was not making noise Monday morning.
“We have probably five to eight reported sightings a year, mostly on the south side of town where there is more vegetation and cover,” city spokesman Carl Baker said. “Wildlife, such as mountain lions and bobcats, are also attracted to water, including pools. Sightings are more common during the hot weather and in the springtime due to offspring following the mother around.”
There have been several confirmed mountain lion sightings in Redlands since May 2001, Baker said.
There have been no reports of attacks, but police advise residents to stay vigilant and to not approach wild animals.
Of the hundreds of mountain lion sightings reported statewide annually, few are considered safety threats.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, mountain lion attacks on humans are rare. There have been only 14 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California since 1986, three of which were fatal. The last documented fatal attack was in January 2004 in Orange County.
Any wild animal sightings should be reported by calling 911 or Redlands Police Department dispatch at 909-798-7681 ext. 1.