Large Cat Seen Prowling Norwalk Neighborhood 'Not A Mountain Lion'

NORWALK (CBSLA.com) — Wildlife officials were set Friday to canvass a residential neighborhood in Norwalk where a video surveillance camera captured what appeared to be a large wild cat - possibly a lion - prowling the area.

KNX 1070's Bob Brill reports Norwalk Public Information Officer Jeff Hobbs said he has received confirmation that the animal "was not a mountain lion."

The video footage dated July 29 - which captured images of the animal in front of a home in the 11000 block of Tina Street near Orr and Day Road - was sent to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, according to Hobbs.

The city of Norwalk is located about 8 miles southwest of the Turnbull Canyon mountain bike trail in Hacienda Heights, which has had some reports of mountain lion sightings in recent years.

However, Hobbs said officials have not yet determined exactly where the animal may have come from.

"I think most people are coming down on the side of, 'Oh, that's an old lion who's just looking for something to drink," he said.

In the video footage, the animal appeared to have a mane and looked more like the type of lion seen at a circus or zoo and appeared to be non-aggressive.

A representative from the Department of Fish and Wildlife will be visiting local residents to "pass out literature and let them know what's going on," Hobbs said. Authorities say they will respond to reports of a actual sighting as opposed to just a video.

Authorities say anyone who encounters the animal should treat it as potentially dangerous and notify law enforcement officials immediately.

In:
• Norwalk