Danville CA Mountain Lion Alert
Police are asking residents to be cautious after three mountain lion sightings were reported in the last two weeks. "This is just to educate the public," Sgt. Troy Francis said. "We don't want to scare anyone. They're just sightings." The recent unconfirmed sightings were in unpopulated parts of the city. If a mountain lion poses immediate danger to people, pets or property, call 911, Francis said. I remember a story in the LA Times years ago about a homeowner whose house backed up to the San Beradino mountains. He stepped out one night to call in his german shepard just in time to see a mountain lion jump a 6 foot wall with the 90 pound dead dog in its jaws. Lesson – these are very powerful animals.
There have been three reports of mountain lion sightings around Danville, Ca. Residents and hikers ar being advised to be aware of the situation. Don’t hike alone and do not approach a wild animal should you happen upon one.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
1:30 PM
To: Greenbrook and John Baldwin Elementary School Parents/Guardians
From: Terry Koehne, SRVUSD Community Relations Director
RE: Mountain Lion Sighting Near Osage Park
At approximately 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, two members of the Town of Danville Maintenance Department reported seeing a 90-100 lb. mountain lion in the creek area behind Osage Park/Charlotte Wood Middle School. The Danville Police Department responded, and is treating the incident as a “confirmed” mountain lion sighting. The police searched the area, but could not locate the animal. There is a 6-foot high fence separating the creek and the school/park area.
Administrators from Charlotte Wood and the two neighboring elementary schools, Greenbrook and John Baldwin, were alerted of the incident, and immediately decided to bring students into the confined areas of campus during recess and P.E. and alert the staffs at each school about the issue. The police department is communicating with nearby residents.
Staff members from Greenbrook and John Baldwin are contacting all parents of students who either walked or rode their bikes to school today, offering to keep those students on campus until an adult arrives to pick them up.
There will be increased supervision at all three schools when students are released from school today. At Charlotte Wood specifically, there will be increased supervision along the creek area and around the outer rim of the campus, and students are being advised to stay clear of the creek area. The increased supervision and the student advisory are in effect at least through the end of the week.
For at least the remainder of the week, please encourage your children to take an alternate route to and from school if they typically walk or bike along or near the creek.
We will continue to communicate with you as necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school office.
Thanks for your cooperation!
Terry Koehne, Community Relations Director
San Ramon Valley Unified School District