GUSTINE — A quiet Gustine neighborhood had an unexpected visitor early Sunday when a mountain lion — and possibly a juvenile — wandered through Hartley Court, triggering home security cameras around 3 a.m. and prompting warnings from local authorities.
One video shows a mountain lion striding across a driveway under the cover of darkness. Another clip, captured minutes later, shows a larger lion slipping along a fence line, its silhouette moving with the unmistakable confidence of an apex predator far from its usual range.
The sightings were reported to the Gustine Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Police Chief Ruben Chavez said the incident was classified as a “green” sighting, meaning no aggressive behavior was observed and no human contact occurred. Wildlife officials will continue to monitor the area.
“If anyone sees the mountain lion(s) they should stay away and report it to the police department,” Chavez said. “Don’t try and touch it and definitely don’t do anything to antagonize it. Don’t try and take a selfie with it.”
The clearest footage came from Jorge Rivera’s Ring camera, which recorded the larger lion pacing beside his neighbor’s fence. Rivera said he learned about the sighting when his neighbor called that morning after spotting the first lion on his own camera.
“He told me I should check my camera,” Rivera said. “Sure enough, there was the mountain lion walking through the yard. She’s a big one. Never expected to see a mountain lion in Gustine.”
Rivera said his family’s rottweiler, who normally sleeps outside, never reacted to the animal’s presence — a detail that unsettled him more than the footage itself. The dog will be kept indoors for now. Rivera and several neighbors, who leave for work in the early morning hours, said they plan to be extra cautious.
Wildlife experts say the sighting is unusual but not inexplicable. Gustine sits near agricultural corridors and open fields that connect to the Diablo Range and the San Luis Reservoir region — established mountain lion habitat. Lions often travel long distances at night, following canals and creek beds. Juveniles, in particular, may roam into rural towns while searching for new territory.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises residents who encounter a mountain lion to:
- Keep a safe distance and do not approach.
- Secure pets and avoid letting animals roam at night.
- Do not run, which can trigger a chase response.
- Make yourself appear larger and speak firmly if the animal notices you.
- Report sightings to local authorities.
Officials emphasize that people should never attempt to photograph or interact with a wild mountain lion at close range.
Authorities are urging residents to remain alert and report any additional sightings as monitoring continues.
