A Big Cat on the Loose: Mountain Lion Sighting in Upper Crystal Falls This Morning
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A homeowner near Phoenix Lake in Tuolumne County captured a mountain lion on a security camera and is urging neighbors to stay vigilant about potential danger.
Crystal Falls, CA – Early this morning, a large wildcat wandered onto a driveway in the Upper Crystal Falls area, just outside the Phoenix Lake community, before slipping back into the surrounding woods. The property owner, who asked to remain anonymous, shared the footage and asked Central Sierra Broadcasting to alert residents that a mountain lion is active in the area.
The sighting occurred on November 2, 2025, in the pre-dawn hours, according to the homeowners. The video shows the cougar moving across the driveway and then retreating into nearby trees. There’s also a possibility that this could be the same animal seen in October, when another cougar was reported in the 21000 block of Phoenix Lake Road near Fern Lane. That earlier sighting captured the animal strolling through a backyard, passing a tree, a lawn chair, and a fire pit. Whether it’s a repeat visitor or a different individual, residents should exercise extra caution with children and pets when outdoors.
If a mountain lion is spotted or an incident occurs, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers these reporting options:
How to Report:
- Online: Use the CDFW Wildlife Incident Reporting system to submit details such as location, date, time, and any photos or videos.
- By Phone:
- For general inquiries or non-emergency concerns, contact your regional CDFW office.
- For suspected poaching or pollution, call the CDFW Law Enforcement CalTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters) hotline.
- If livestock or pets have been preyed upon, contact CDFW to verify the incident and receive guidance on nonlethal prevention measures or, if needed, a depredation permit.
When to Call 911:
- If there is an immediate threat to human life or safety.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person.
Stay alert and keep a close watch on children and pets when outdoors in areas where mountain lions are known to roam.
