Mountain lions are majestic animals that cover a lot of country and hunt big game animals. So the question some folks are asking is, “What is a mountain lion doing in Frisco, Texas?” As it turns out, nobody knows why this animal is here, but there have been 3 separate sightings recently of what appears to be a mountain lion along the hiking trail area on the north side of Frisco Commons Park, located at 8000 McKinney Road.
While there have been reports of bobcat sightings in Frisco in recent years, all 3 people who saw the animal along the Frisco Commons Park trail say it was not a bobcat, but a mountain lion. Frisco Commons Park remains open, and parks management reminds residents and visitors that operating hours for all city parks are from dawn until dusk. Signs will be posted around the park alerting park visitors of the recent sightings. Everyone using the area is encouraged to use caution while in the area.
“Animal control staff has walked the area, and could not find evidence that a wild animal is living in the hiking trail area of Frisco Commons Park,” said Greg Carr, Animal Control Administrator. “More likely the animal is passing through. Staff will continue to monitor the area to make sure a wild animal is not sticking around.”
Here are a few mountain lion tips should you encounter a mountain lion.
First, when in mountain lion country carrying a sturdy walking stick with you. Next, make sure to pick up small children to prevent them from running and triggering an attack. Remember to stay calm, talk calmly, and slowly back away, keeping eye contact with the mountain lion. Do not run or turn your back. If the lion is aggressive, throw rocks or sticks, and speak firmly and loudly. And lastly, fight back if a lion attacks you. The survivors of lion attacks say these cats can be driven off by fighting back.
According to state wildlife biologist, mountain lions are solitary animals, and attacks on humans are rare. In fact, since 1980 there have been only 4 reports of mountain lion attacks on humans have been reported in Texas. A female mountain lion has a range of up to 80 to 100 square miles and a male has a range up to 200 square miles, so this caught could literally be gone tomorrow. Frisco residents will have to wait and see.
7/3/2018
I live at Eldorado & Hillcrest. I believe we have had sightings since last year, 2017. There is a debate now on our “Nextdoor” on video. Size and color look more mountain lion to me and being that my father swears he saw one last year while on my patio (i live on Panther Creek, given that name for a reason) im going with MOUNTAIN LION
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PETS AND CHILDREN!
Stacy, thanks for the update!
Last week i had a montian lion appear on my back patio. This was a large very ling tail beautiful mountain lion. I was so shocked at what i was seeing i got inside and was not able to catch a picture he was gone very fast.
Ritchie, that sounds like a very close encounter! Had you gotten that picture, there is no doubt you would have been on the local news. Lions have large home ranges, so most likely it never returns. But wow!
My mother and I saw a mountain lion crossing the large piece of land on the South side of Lebanon between Coit and Plantation Lane (near the golf course, but on the other side). There was not much doubt what this animal was… right color – huge, muscular and definitely feline.
Hunter, that’s awesome! Mtn lions are super reclusive, so seeing one is a real gift!