Did you just see a mountain lion?

Several threads on area Facebook pages and Next Door report possible sightings of mountain lions in the Canyon Lake area.

MyCanyonLake.com checked in with Liz Bates, a New Braunfels-based wildlife specialist with Texas Parks & Wildlife.

Here’s what she says:

“There has not been any confirmed mountain lion sightings in Comal County.

“I do occasionally get reports from residents about mountain lion sightings but none of these sightings have been confirmed.  Texas Parks & Wildlife does take reports of mountain lion sightings.  We like to keep track of sightings even if we cannot confirm them.

“I encourage residents to take pictures of any evidence of a mountain lion.  If they suspect one in the area they can set up a game camera.  If they see a track they suspect belongs to a mountain lion they can take a photo of the track with something next to it to judge the size of the track (dollar bill, pen, etc.).  They are welcome to email me the photos as well as contact me if they have a sighting and would like to make a report: elizabeth.bates@tpwd.texas.gov

“We have two breeding populations in Texas. One in South Texas and one in West Texas.  There have been mountain lions confirmed occasionally in the Hill Country but these have been further west in the Hill Country.”

For more information about Texas mountain lions, click here.

If you do encounter a mountain lion, Texas Parks & Wildlife suggests that you:

• Pick up all children off the ground immediately.
• Do NOT approach the lion.
• Stay calm. Talk calmly and move slowly.
• Face the lion and remain in an upright position.
• Do not turn your back on the lion. Back away slowly.
• Do not run.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Do not crouch down or try to hide.
• If the lion is aggressive, throw rocks, sticks, or anything you can get your hands on.
• If the lion attacks, fight back. Fighting back can drive off lions.