A mountain lion has been confirmed in San Marcos, Hays County, for the first time, according to city officials—raising concern after a series of unexplained deer deaths in the area. The big cat was spotted by a city trail crew member on the morning of April 17 at Purgatory Creek Natural Area, a 570-acre park in central Texas known for its rugged terrain and dense brush.
The encounter happened early Thursday, April 17, at Purgatory Creek Natural Area, a 570-acre park in San Marcos known for its rugged trails and wildlife. The employee, a member of the city’s trail crew, spotted the cougar descending from a tree near Dante Trail in the Middle Purgatory area. Within seconds, the animal disappeared into the brush.
City officials say the sighting is “confirmed,” although the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) still holds final authority on verification. If validated, it would mark the first officially documented presence of a mountain lion in Hays County…