City workers spotted the lion in the area known as Purgatory Creek, near Dante Trail.
AUSTIN, Texas — San Marcos city officials are issuing a warning after city workers spotted a mountain lion earlier this week.
City workers spotted the creature in the area known as Purgatory Creek, near Dante Trail, in the area commonly known as Middle Purgatory. It was spotted climbing down from a tree before it ran away.
The city said it contacted Texas Parks and Wildlife shortly afterward. The lion’s presence could also be related to the presence of a number of dead deer that have been found by residents in the Willow Creek area in recent weeks.
Officials are reminding the public to use caution when exploring natural areas, as green area spaces are home to many species of wildlife.
They recommend:
- Walking in accompanied areas
- Keeping children close by
- Keeping pets on leashes
- Staying in marked areas
- Leaving parks before sunset, which is when wildlife is more active
Anyone who finds a mountain lion should not approach it, but rather give it room to escape. Most of the time, the animals would prefer to avoid confrontations.