Mountain Lion Spotted Within Sebastopol City Limits

Police received multiple reports of the big cat in residential backyards.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Sebastopol Police Department reported receiving several calls about a mountain lion sighting within the city limits on Sunday morning. The large cat was spotted in backyards in the area of Jewel Avenue, Walnut Avenue, and Shaun Court, traveling westbound on First Street. Police and animal services officers responded to the scene to search for the mountain lion.

Why it matters

Mountain lion sightings within urban areas are relatively rare but can raise public safety concerns, especially when the animals are spotted in residential neighborhoods. This incident follows a recent mountain lion sighting in San Francisco, highlighting the need for wildlife management and public awareness efforts in California's growing cities.

The details

According to the Sebastopol Police Department, multiple residents reported seeing the mountain lion in their backyards on Sunday morning. The big cat was last seen traveling westbound on First Street. Police officers and North Bay Animal Services personnel responded to the area to search for the mountain lion, recommending that residents bring their pets inside and remain vigilant.

  • The mountain lion sighting was reported to Sebastopol police on Sunday, February 1, 2026, around 11 a.m.

The players

Sebastopol Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that received and responded to reports of the mountain lion sighting.

North Bay Animal Services

The animal control agency that assisted the Sebastopol Police Department in searching for the mountain lion.

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What’s next

Police and animal services officers continued to search the area for the mountain lion, and the public was advised to remain vigilant and report any further sightings.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for urban communities to be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, as the expansion of cities into natural habitats can lead to more frequent sightings of large predators like mountain lions. Effective wildlife management and public education are crucial to ensuring the safety of both residents and the animals.