Mountain lion Sighted in Frisco: Residents Advised to Stay Vigilant
Residents in Frisco are being urged to remain vigilant after a mountain lion was spotted in a residential backyard in the far western area, close to the tranquil shores of Lake Lewisville. The sighting was officially reported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in a news release Thursday.
The mountain lion was first spotted by local resident Brent Blackwell’s backyard camera during the early morning hours of November 1st, with the sighting captured around 4:30 a.m. Blackwell expressed his surprise upon reviewing the footage. Initially convinced he had captured a bobcat, he zoomed in and quickly realized it wasn’t. “That’s when I was like, that’s no bobcat,” he shared with CBS News Texas.
The wildlife department is closely monitoring the area where the mountain lion was sighted and urges residents to report any further sightings or encounters with this majestic predator to local authorities or directly to TPWD Urban Wildlife Biologist, Rachel Richter, via email at rachel.richter@tpwd.texas.gov.
Understanding Mountain Lions in Texas
Known by various names such as cougars, pumas, and panthers, mountain lions inhabit the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, including the brushlands in the south and certain parts of the Hill Country. TPWD notes that while these big cats typically remain in specific areas, individual mountain lions can travel considerable distances and may appear far from established populations.
Texas residents have long debated the prevalence of mountain lions in the state, although the wildlife department frequently identifies most reported sightings as being attributed to bobcats, foxes, or even domesticated cats. Despite the presence of mountain lions in Texas, real encounters remain startlingly rare.
Mountain lions generally have a distinctive tawny brown fur that can give off a grayish or nearly black appearance under varying light conditions. However, TPWD emphasizes that interactions leading to conflict with humans are uncommon, reporting under 30 confirmed fatal attacks on people by mountain lions in North America over the past century, with Texas registering no confirmed fatalities.
Safety Tips for Mountain Lion Encounters
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers specific precautions for residents who may unexpectedly encounter a mountain lion:
- Do not approach the lion.
- Face the lion and stay calm while backing away slowly.
- Make yourself appear larger; do not crouch down.
- If attacked, fighting back can deter the lion.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
**Interview with Rachel Richter, Urban Wildlife Biologist at TPWD**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Rachel. The recent mountain lion sighting in Frisco has certainly caught everyone’s attention. Can you tell us more about the circumstances surrounding this sighting?
**Rachel Richter:** Absolutely, thanks for having me. The mountain lion was first spotted in the early morning hours of November 1st by a local resident, Brent Blackwell, through his backyard camera. Initially, he thought it was a bobcat but quickly realized he had captured footage of a mountain lion. This sighting is significant as it highlights the presence of these large predators in urban areas, a situation that can surprise many residents.
**Editor:** What should residents of Frisco do if they encounter a mountain lion, or if they suspect one is nearby?
**Rachel Richter:** We advise residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings to local authorities or directly to our office. It’s important to not approach the animal. Instead, make noise, appear larger by raising your arms, and try to back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. If the mountain lion does approach, it’s crucial to stand your ground and fight back if necessary.
**Editor:** That’s very helpful information. Can you explain why mountain lions are venturing into suburban areas like Frisco?
**Rachel Richter:** Mountain lions typically roam large territories in search of food and shelter. As urban areas expand, they sometimes encroach upon habitats that are traditionally wild. This can occur for several reasons, such as a decline in their prey populations in rural areas or changes in their environment that push them into more populated regions.
**Editor:** What steps is TPWD taking to monitor the situation in Frisco?
**Rachel Richter:** Our department is closely monitoring the area where the sighting occurred. We’re working with local law enforcement and wildlife groups to keep track of any further sightings. Additionally, we’re launching educational initiatives to inform the community about living in proximity to wildlife and the behaviors to adopt when encountering these animals.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing this crucial information with us, Rachel. It seems essential for residents to stay informed and aware.
**Rachel Richter:** Absolutely. Education is key to coexisting with wildlife. If residents have any concerns or sightings, we encourage them to reach out. It’s only by sharing information that we can ensure everyone’s safety and promote a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.
**Editor:** Thank you, Rachel, for your insights and for all that TPWD is doing to handle this situation. We hope residents will heed your advice and stay safe.
