ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A mountain lion sighting in Rochester has sparked interest among local residents, leading many to visit the zoo.
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There has been no sign of the mountain lion since it was spotted two nights ago. I checked the zoo for any signs of the animal, but it was not found there.
Teagan Dolan, who attended the zoo with her family, said, “Yea so we live nearby, we live in Irondequoit and we were kinda joking like ‘Oh let’s see if there’s any missing zoo animals!’ Which I didn’t really think, but you know we love coming to the zoo and thought ‘hey that’d make a funny story let’s go check and see.’”
The zoo reported receiving around 25 calls from people asking if the cougar had escaped from their facility. Zoo officials confirmed that all big cats are accounted for.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) investigated the sighting but did not find any tracks or fur. They believe the mountain lion is likely a captive animal, possibly an illegal pet, rather than a wild one.
The last documented sighting of a cougar in New York was back in 2011. It passed through Eastern New York on it’s way from South Dakota all the way over to Connecticut.
That cougar died in Connecticut after a car crashed into.
I asked Bob Lee, the director of Seneca Park Zoo what people should do if you spot the cougar in your neighborhood.
“The thing you got to remember is they’re going to be as frightened of you as you are of them,” said Lee. “So, they’re magnificent animals to see from a distance. If you come out to the Seneca Park Zoo, you’re going to see some amazing large cats. But if you encounter one in your neighborhood, you definitely just want to stay safe. Make yourself big. Back away slow and call for help.”
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Lee also says these animals have a huge range and they’re able to travel long distances.
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