Mountain lion sightings have been confirmed in both Merced and Gustine in recent days, raising awareness among residents and prompting questions about increased wildlife activity in the area.
In Merced, a mountain lion was captured on home surveillance video early Thursday morning near Pickworth Court and Andrea Drive, just a few miles from University of California, Merced. The animal was seen moving through the neighborhood shortly after 4 a.m. School officials at El Capitan High School notified families as a precaution. No injuries or direct encounters have been confirmed.
A separate sighting occurred in Gustine, where a mountain lion was also captured on residential security cameras during overnight hours in a neighborhood near Hartley Court. Based on available information, the animal appeared to be passing through the area, and no incidents involving residents have been reported.
It has not been confirmed whether the Merced and Gustine sightings involve the same animal or separate mountain lions…