A mountain lion was reportedly seen here recently.
A mountain lion is photographed on a trail cam in Humphreys County, Tenn., about 200 miles northwest of Chattanooga. (Contributed photo: TWRA)More Info
According to the GDNR WRD, most sightings of mountain lions are made from a distance, at night, or in an instance where the animal was only momentarily seen such as rapidly crossing the road. Occasionally, such sightings may include references to vocalizations.Mountain lions make little noises in the woods. When they do, they often sound like a person whistling or a bird chirping. Many people report hearing shrieks in the night and think those sounds are made by mountain lions, but almost always these “blood-curdling screams” are made by other animals.To provide some examples, here is a link to an audio file that compares various mountain lion sounds to those of several other animals commonly heard at night: http://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/report-wildlife-sightings/mountain-lion-reports/mountain-lion-signs.Despite this fact, the WRD takes such reports seriously and gives them careful consideration, including follow-up and investigation, where appropriate.If you believe you have seen a mountain lion:Contact the local Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section office at 706-295-6041.Source: GDNR website
Stay safe
Anytime an individual encounters any large wildlife, be vigilant and maintain a safe distance. Other personal safety precautions include:Make yourself appear as large as possible. Raise your arms and wave them slowly.Make noise. Make loud sounds that cannot be confused as the sound of prey.Act like a predator. Maintain eye contact. Never bend over or crouch down.Source: GDNR Wildlife Resources Division
A mountain lion was reportedly seen on Dogwood Circle in LaFayette earlier this month.
“It ran across the road in front of me,” said Dogwood Circle resident Connie Forester. “Some of the neighbors heard it scream It sounds like a woman screaming. It’s really loud.”
She said it appeared as though the animal was chasing something, and kept on going, bounding across the road in front of her and into a wooded area.