Mountain lion sightings in Cottonwood Heights prompt warning

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — Cottonwood Heights residents were alerted to mountain lion sightings in the area in recent weeks. These sightings prompted Cottonwood Heights City officials to issue a reminder about the potential dangers of mountain lions.

The social media post states that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is monitoring the situation. They say residents should contact the police department if they encounter a mountain lion that appears to threaten pets or is near areas where children play.

To prevent interactions with mountain lions, residents should avoid hiking or jogging alone. Officials say  to make noise while hiking, protect pets and children and stay alert in cougar country.

The Wild Aware Utah website provides additional safety tips, like removing things that attract wildlife from properties, like pet food, water sources, bird feeders, and fallen fruit.

In the event of an encounter, residents should stay calm, stop, and avoid running. Maintain eye contact with the mountain lion while picking up children and pets.  Additionally, speak loudly, making yourself appear larger and slowly back away while you maintain eye contact.

Residents should fight back in a cougar attack, protecting their head and neck.

If you witness aggressive wildlife encounters, report sightings to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or dial 911.

Related: Recent footage has the DWR explaining when to report a neighborhood mountain lion sighting