Mountain Lion on the Prowl: Pets Under Siege in Eastside Neighborhoods – Watch the Shocking Video

Residents of Maricopa’s East Side are increasingly uneasy after multiple sightings of a mountain lion near the University of Arizona’s agricultural complex. Pet owners express concern, leading to calls for animal control intervention.

Social media posts, along with home video evidence and community emails, suggest the mountain lion has been in the area for at least two weeks. Reports indicate it may be responsible for at least one pet fatality.

Stephanie Podszus, a Tortosa resident, reported that the mountain lion has appeared multiple times, mainly between 2 and 4 a.m. She claims it attacked her neighbor’s dogs. “Please be careful letting your pets out at night,” she advised in a neighborhood group post.

Brittany Braun Peru, also from the eastside Sorrento neighborhood, highlighted another incident where two large dogs were attacked. One dog suffered severe injuries and had to be euthanized. “If this mountain lion will take on two big dogs, your kids and pets are not safe,” she cautioned.

Nearby resident Janisha Morin shared a video of the mountain lion captured on Cartenga Lane, just a block from her home. “I know there have been sightings of a mountain lion/cougar/bobcat; please KEEP THE FUR BABIES INSIDE!” she urged.

Meghan Bremer, another Tortosa resident, confirmed the presence of the mountain lion in an email to InMaricopa. “It’s definitely a mountain lion,” she stated, citing an instance where a dog was injured to the point of needing to be put down. While some security footage exists, she emphasized the need for attention from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, as reported to local animal control.

As of Tuesday morning, no official comments had come from city or state wildlife authorities regarding the sightings. Residents have taken the initiative to report the mountain lion to animal control.

Mountain lions typically inhabit desert and mountainous areas, yet their presence near populated neighborhoods is unusual. The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises anyone who encounters a mountain lion to avoid running, make themselves appear larger, and back away slowly while maintaining eye contact.

Residents in Tortosa and neighboring areas are encouraged to keep their pets indoors at night and report any further sightings to authorities.