Mountain Lion spotted in Round Rock

ROUND ROCK (KXAN) - Several residents in west Round Rock say they have seen a mountain lion foraging for food, mostly along homes near Brush Creek, but it has been known to expand its range.

"I was shocked to see a mountain lion cross Ranch Road 620," said Tim McCall. "It was big, it wasn't a bobcat, and it stood about 2 1/2 - 3 feet tall, great big and long. It had a great big tail, so it was definitely a mountain lion."

The animal was also seen in the Oaklands and Tanglewood subdivisions.

"She went on line and looked at the pictures of the mountain lion - she said that's what she saw," said Steve Solmes. He and his wife believe the animal tore their pool cover in search for water.

Mountain lions have been spotted in every county in Texas. Game wardens warn residents to keep their pets under control, and if left outside overnight, confine them to kennels with tops.

"We think about it at night when we let our dog out -- and there are so many shrubs and bushes in the neighborhood. You don't know if it's sitting there looking at you," McCall said.

Texas Game Wardens say if you encounter a mountain lion :

•  Pick all children up off the ground immediately.
• Do not approach the lion.
• Stay calm. Talk calmly and move slowly.
• Face the lion and remain in an upright position.
• Do not turn your back on the lion. Back away slowly.
• Do not run.
• Do all you can to enlarge your image. Do not crouch down or try to hide.
• IF the lion is aggressive, throw rocks, sticks, or anything you can get your hands on.
• If the lion attacks, fight back. Fighting back can drive off lions.  

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, mountain lions are native to Texas and classified as non-game species. They occur in the Trans Pecos in primarily large undeveloped tracts of land.

TPWD has records of mountain lions occurring in every county of Texas except for the northernmost counties of the Panhandle.

Texas regulations allow for the management of lion populations and lions may be controlled year-round. The animals are reclusive by nature and it rare to see one.