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Hikers Spot 2 Mountain Lions Near Santa Cruz Park

SANTA CRUZ (CBS SF) - Two hikers told police they spotted two full-grown mountain lions in a Santa Cruz park early Tuesday morning.

Around 6 a.m. the hikers said they saw the big cats near the upper meadows of Pogonip Park near the Spring Street entrance, Santa Cruz police said.

The hikers were not injured but it appeared the mountain lions were interested in their off-leash dog, according to police.

Police are alerting residents about this dangerous situation and are reminding hikers to avoid trekking alone and to always take a cellphone.

Police also advise those who do encounter a mountain lion to not run away but to face the animal and try to appear as big as possible while making loud noises.

Hikers with dogs should keep them on-leash within the park, police said.

 

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

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