Mountain Lion Spotted in a Santa Barbara Lower Foothill Area Neighborhood

A mountain lion was prowling around in the Eucalyptus Hill – Barker Pass area Friday night in Santa Barbara.

The cat walked right by a surveillance camera in the backyard of John Ahlman, a retired Santa Barbara Fire Battalion Chief.

It was an adult cougar, walking slowly into the brush.

If you live in the area, pet owners are encouraged to keep their dogs and cats inside.

Off and on throughout the year, residents in the Santa Barbara foothills report seeing bobcats and coyotes on a more routine basis. Mountain lions and bears are also seen but more infrequently and usually higher up in the local hills.

Wildlife experts say the prolonged drought has force some of the animals into more residential areas in search of food and water.

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