In the quiet rural community of Corral de Tierra, just east of Monterey in Central California, a series of mountain lion attacks on pets and livestock has rattled residents and wildlife officials alike, prompting warnings and safety advice from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Over recent weeks, dogs, a miniature horse and goats have been killed in multiple incidents — prompting concern about predator behavior and backyard coexistence in areas where human and mountain lion territories intersect.
While witnesses and residents reported eerie sounds and sightings in the late night hours, experts emphasize that these big cat conflicts are occurring at times when mountain lions are typically active and that many of the targeted animals were not secured at night, highlighting the importance of proper animal management in predator range.
Early Attacks Stir Alarm in Corral de Tierra
The first attack took place on December 21 around 12:30 a.m., when a resident heard movement on their porch and soon after discovered their family dog had been taken. The following night, the same lion reportedly returned — this time taking a goat to the same spot — without consuming either animal, leading locals to believe the predator may be acting out of instinct rather than hunger.
Other community members have seen the large cat lurking in yards and near homes, prompting a mix of fear and fascination as residents capture fleeting glimpses of this apex predator. These close encounters reflect the expanding interface between human habitation and mountain lion habitat in California.
Wildlife Officials Advise Simple Safeguards
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife hasn’t confirmed how many mountain lions are involved in the incidents or if one animal is responsible for all of the attacks. However, department spokesperson Krysten Kellum stressed that the attacks occurred when livestock and pets were left unsecured — a key factor in mountain lion conflict scenarios…