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
Mike Lupica: Knicks put up a good fight against the champs

Knicks Showcase Resilience in Thrilling Battle Against NBA Champions

The Knicks clashed with the reigning champions on Wednesday night, showcasing a…
How Israel killed Ayatollah Khamenei with a missile from space

Israel’s Space Missile Strike: Unveiling the Alleged Assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei

In a dramatic turn of events, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei received what some…
Iran, US war news today: Chicago barber Axel Ramos stranded in Dubai, says has not heard from US government amid deadly strikes

Chicago Barber Axel Ramos Stranded in Dubai Amid Tensions Between Iran and US; Reports No Contact from US Authorities

CHICAGO (WLS) — As tensions escalate following six days of conflict with…
BYU mistakenly sends acceptance letters to rejected applicants — then school makes up for blunder

BYU Erroneously Sends Acceptance Letters to Rejected Applicants, Promptly Addresses the Oversight

A group of nine prospective students who sought admission to Brigham Young…
US scrambles fighter jets to track 2 Russian warplanes flying near American airspace

US Fighter Jets Mobilized: Russian Warplanes Approach American Airspace – What You Need to Know

On Wednesday, NORAD dispatched U.S. and Canadian fighter jets in response to…
Top House Republican accuses Minnesota AG Keith Ellison of lying about benefit fraud: 'Got something to hide'

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Faces Accusations of Dishonesty in Benefit Fraud Case, Says Top Republican

On Wednesday, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer accused Minnesota Attorney General Keith…
Austin bar shooting bodycam due out as DA makes major call about cops who shot suspected terrorist

Bodycam Footage from Austin Bar Shooting to be Released as DA Announces Key Decision on Officers Involved in Shooting Suspected Terrorist

The bodycam footage from the Austin mass shooting, which is under investigation…
NYPD cop clocked in the head by stabbing suspect during botched arrest at NYC subway station

NYPD Officer Injured by Suspect During Failed Arrest Attempt at NYC Subway Station

A New York City police officer sustained an injury to the head…
Canada's Mark Carney under fire as ‘all over the place’ on Iran, risking wider US rift

Mark Carney Faces Criticism for Inconsistent Stance on Iran, Potentially Straining US Relations

Within a mere week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s stance on the…
DHS Noem news, today: Mayor Brandon Johnson, JB Pritzker applaud Trump's move after Broadview, Chicago protest clashes

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker Support Trump’s DHS Decision Amid Broadview, Chicago Protest Clashes

CHICAGO — The recent dismissal of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi…
‘Devastated’ Corey Feldman left out of Oscars tribute to Rob Reiner

Corey Feldman Heartbroken Over Omission from Oscars Tribute to Rob Reiner

Corey Feldman is reportedly upset about being excluded from a tribute to…
San Francisco welcomes first non-stop Emirates flight from the Middle East since start of Iran war

San Francisco Celebrates Arrival of First Non-Stop Emirates Flight from the Middle East Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

In a significant development, San Francisco International Airport has once again become…