Officers are warning the public of a confirmed sighting of a mountain lion in the Hampshire County town of Goshen.
GOSHEN, Mass. (WWLP) – Officers are warning the public of a confirmed sighting of a mountain lion in the Hampshire County town of Goshen.
According to the alert posted by Chesterfield Animal Control on Friday, the confirmed sighting was on South Chesterfield Road in Goshen. Although mountain lions are rare in Massachusetts, there is no evidence they are reproducing, according to MassWildlife.
The Chesterfield Animal Control says, “For those of you asking if this person knew it was for sure a mountain lion, yes, it was. As someone who is educated in animals and wildlife, I can confirm that I, myself, have seen mountain lions on our property in Chesterfield.”
Residents are being asked to be wary of their surroundings and call 911 if they are in danger or need assistance.
MAP: Mountain lion in Goshen
Confirmed reports of mountain lions in Massachusetts
MassWildlife says that there have been only two cases so far where evidence supports the presence of a mountain lion in Massachusetts. Reports are often mistaken for large bobcats or coyotes.
April 1997: A lab test of scat found at the Quabbin Reservation confirmed it came from a mountain lion.
March 2011: Photos of a track trail in the snow near the Gate 8 boat launch area of Quabbin Reservoir.
RESOURCES: Mountain lions in Massachusetts
Mountain lions, also known as the cougar, puma and panther, are a large tan cat species native to the Americas. Males can weigh over 200 pounds and females can weigh up to 140 pounds, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Safety tips if you see a mountain lion
Never approach a mountain lion
Back away slowly
Stand tall, face the animal, make noises, and try to look bigger by waving your arms or throwing objects
Do not turn your back or run away
Pick up small children, without bending over
Fight back, if attacked
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