Tuesday, 10 August 2010 06:29

Ione Reports Mountain Lion Sightings Near Junior High

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slide2-ione_reports_mountain_lion_sightings_near_junior_high.pngAmador County – The Ione Police Department this week announced that there have been confirmed sightings of mountain lions in Ione city limits, and warned people to beware of the big cats, especially at night. Ione Police Sergeant Rocky Harpham in a release Friday said that 2 or 3 mountain lions had been seen around Depot Road and West Marlette Street in Ione. Harpham said: “Recently the city of Ione has seen an increase in mountain lion sightings within the city limits.” He said sightings occurred on Saturday, July 31st, and again on Thursday, August 5th. The “mountain lions were seen along the back fence of the residences at the end of Depot Road, off West Marlette Street,” Harpham said. The “area is where the train tracks run and is immediately adjacent to Ione Junior High School.” Residents on Depot Road said “the lions appear to be targeting their horses, which are pastured there.” On one night there were two cats and on the other there were three. Harpham said “it appears to be a mother with cubs.” Ione police officers also saw the lions on the night of July 31st. IPD has notified the California Department of Fish and Game and Amador County Animal Control about the incidents. Harpham said the Ione police is concerned for the safety of citizens in the community and their livestock. He said the IPD “would like to warn parents against allowing their children to use the railroad tracks as a means of a shortcut, especially with school starting soon.” He said they “would also like to warn citizens to not walk in the area alone, especially after dark.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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