The mountain lion that showed up in the backyard of a Frisco, Texas, resident has taken the internet by storm. The clip, which has gone viral, has sparked concern among residents as many have previously claimed sighting the big cat in the state. This has also caused a disagreement between citizens and wildlife authorities.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed via a press release that the wild animal caught in the camera was a mountain lion. The animal was spotted on Monday, November 4, in the backyard of Brent Blackwell's house in western Frisco.
Blackwell told CBS Texas about the incident. He revealed he woke up to a notification from the security camera. Upon checking the footage twice, he thought a bobcat was in his backyard. However, when he zoomed in, he saw an animal with a "really long tail" and realized, "That's no bobcat."
Following the sighting, TPWD ensured they monitored the area.
"TPWD is actively monitoring the area, but residents are asked to please report any additional mountain lion sightings to local biologists."
They added that the animal was "just passing through and will not stay in the area for an extended period of time."
Also called cougars, panthers, pumas, painters, and catamounts, these cats have their largest population in Texas in the US. However, their diverse population is "primarily found in the Trans-Pecos and parts of South Texas," according to the TPWD.
"However, dispersing individuals can move long distances and can show up far from areas with resident populations," the release added.
The estimated population of the wild animal in Texas is about 5,600. These animals "rarely create conflict" with humans, and their attacks on people are extremely rare. Less than 30 fatal attacks from such animals on people occurred in the last 100 years in North America.
How to save yourself during an encounter with a mountain lion?
TPWD has listed several things to remember when a person accidentally faces a mountain lion. The department has advised people to pick their children off the ground first and avoid approaching the lion. They suggested people stay calm and walk and move slowly.
One must always face the lion and not turn their back to the animal. Turning back and running in front of the lion could result in a problematic situation. However, a person should remain upright and fight back if the lion attacks.
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While facing an aggressive lion, one can also throw something at it to lure it away.
Besides Texas, mountain lions have a higher population in Montana, California, Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
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