Mountain lion possibly sighted in this New York city
Share this @internewscast.com

A big roar rattled residents in Rochester and hit a bit too close to home.

A potential mountain lion sighting in an upstate New York city led to a shelter-in-place order this week, causing concern among local officials and unsettling residents.

Curtis Jones encountered the formidable cat — last officially recorded in New York state in 2011 — while walking down the street on Wednesday.

“And it said ‘rawr,’ and I just kept walking,” he told the ABC affiliate in Rochester.

“I seen it, seeing me, see it, so in my head I’m like, ‘Nah, I got to go man, I’m out’. … I’ve never seen nothing like that … only on movies.”


Security camera footage of a possible mountain lion in Rochester NY
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said based on doorbell video and the measurements taken at the site, the animal does appear to possibly be a mountain lion.

Rochester police became aware of a social media video appearing to depict the large feline. They also received numerous calls from anxious residents who believed they had seen the animal.

A shelter-in-place order was promptly issued — but later lifted since police couldn’t verify the large lion.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office helped the investigation by flying an aerial drone around the area, but to no avail.

The Seneca Park Zoo, which is located in Rochester, said none of its animals had escaped.


Aerial view of Rochester, New York at dusk, showing the city skyline and High Falls.
The last time a mountain lion was last spotted in New York was 2011. SeanPavonePhoto – stock.adobe.com

The state Department of Environmental Conservation was also probing, and in a statement to the ABC affiliate, said based on doorbell video and the measurements taken at the site, the animal does appear to possibly be a mountain lion.

“DEC is actively investigating reports of a big cat in a Rochester neighborhood and determining if there is evidence to validate the images,” the DEC said in its statement. “Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. DEC reminds the public to treat an encounter like any other with a large, potentially dangerous wild animal or unfamiliar dog.

“Keep a safe distance, and slowly back away. Only take photos from a very safe distance and immediately report it to law enforcement.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Hundreds turn out for emergency food distribution in Jacksonville amid federal shutdown

Large Crowd Gathers for Emergency Food Distribution in Jacksonville During Federal Shutdown

Long lines of vehicles snaked around Regency Square Mall as families in…
Car used by missing California girl's mom on road trip had license plates swapped to 'avoid detection'

Mother of Missing Melodee Buzzard Arrested on Unrelated Charge, Investigation Continues

In a recent development from California, the mother of a missing 9-year-old…
4 dead, 11 injured after speeding car plows through crowd in Ybor

Tragic Florida Crash: Speeding Car Leaves 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Devastating Crowd Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning in…
GoFundMe pulls fundraisers for felon accused of killing commuter in random Charlotte train attack

Joe Rogan and Elon Musk Criticize Urban Justice System Amid Charlotte Train Murder Case Involving Repeat Offender

In a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” popular podcaster Joe…
Former TV anchor charged with first-degree murder in stabbing death of 80-year-old mother: DA

Ex-TV Anchor Faces First-Degree Murder Charges in Tragic Stabbing of Elderly Mother, DA Reports

A former morning television news anchor has been charged with first-degree murder…
Projection, Much? Shameless Schiff Ironically Accuses Trump of Failing to 'Protect the Whole Country'

SCOTUS Ruling Sparks Outrage: How the Trump Administration’s SNAP Halt is Stirring Democratic Fury

On Friday evening, RedState reported that the Supreme Court temporarily granted the…
Jacksonville Fair, law enforcement assure safety amid viral 'Fair Takeover' concern

Jacksonville Fair Boosts Security Measures in Response to ‘Fair Takeover’ Buzz

The Jacksonville Fair, a beloved local tradition known for its thrilling rides,…
Mike Lupica: Giants need to turn positive Jaxson Dart start into wins

Mike Lupica: Giants Must Leverage Jaxson Dart’s Strong Start for Victory

Six years ago, the New York Giants were seen as a team…
Hamas hands over another Israeli hostage's remains as Gaza ceasefire exchanges continue

Breaking: Hamas Releases Israeli Hostage Remains Amid Ongoing Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

On Tuesday, the remains of an Israeli hostage were returned by Hamas…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Breaking: Little Village Shooting Targets Border Patrol Amid Chicago Immigration Operation – DHS Reports

CHICAGO (WLS) — During an immigration operation on Chicago’s Southwest Side, Customs…
Trump Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor

Trump’s Surprise Endorsement: Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor Shakes Up the Race!

Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Vivek Ramaswamy in…
Man dies at Grand Canyon after slipping over edge, falling more than 100 feet, sheriff's office says

Tragic Accident: Man Falls Over 100 Feet to His Death at Grand Canyon, Authorities Report

A tragic incident unfolded this week at the Grand Canyon, where a…