urban lion--Clifton, AZ

[Emily]

http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2009/ ... 920016.txt

Mountain lion seen twice in South Clifton/Casually cruising around homes

By Walter Mares
Copper Era Managing Editor
Published on Thursday, December 10, 2009 2:40 PM MST

A mountain lion has recently been spotted twice in South Clifton, and residents of that part of town are being urged to avoid walking at night and to secure their pets.

Janet Nations said a lion has been seen twice at her home, the former Old Clifton Gym, located at the bottom of a mountain on Leonard Avenue. She said the lion was seen on two consecutive Sundays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6.

Nations said a friend stopped by for lunch Dec. 6 and was shocked to see a mountain lion on the tennis courts adjacent to the Nations' home. The woman slowly backed into her car and waited for the Nations to arrive. The lion walked behind the home and disappeared.


Upon arriving home, Nations called 911 and contacted the Clifton Police. An officer quickly arrived, but the lion was gone. Nations did not give any details about the first sighting other than to say it was seen going into a neighbor's yard.

"I just want the kids who play up on that mountain behind the Old Clifton Gym to be aware," Nations said. "I think everyone knows there are herds of wild pigs (javelina) that come off that mountain which the lion must be hunting."

She added, "My grandchildren were going up on the mountain to play but now we're keeping them completely in the house."

Nations said several people saw the lion Nov. 29 but only the friend who came for lunch saw it Dec. 6.

Clifton Town Manager Alan Baker said that besides the presence of javelina in South Clifton, a herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep that frequents Clifton was also seen near the Old Clifton Gym. Baker recalled that a lion was seen about two months ago taking a morning stroll through the North Clifton RV Park where the sheep often graze on park lawns.

"We urge people who like to take a walk at night not to do so for the time being," Baker said. "It would also be a very good idea for people with pets to keep them inside or secure them so the lion can't get to them."

He said state wildlife officials have been contacted about the lion sightings and police are regularly patrolling along Leonard Avenue.

"We're taking this very seriously," Baker said. "The safety of the public is at stake. It's obvious that this lion is pretty bold. That's why we're urging people to use common sense and use caution during the day as well as at night. Always be aware of what's around you when you're outdoors, even if it's in your driveway."