Although coyotes and bears are known to frequent neighborhoods that are adjacent to wooded areas, mountain lions are the latest animals to make an appearance in broad daylight. Recently, a number of sightings have been reported in the Iowa City area, according to The Press-Citizen.Ryan Jacobsen, a 35-year-old living in the area, told officials that he saw a mountain lion run in front of his car while driving his son to school. A resident who lives in the neighborhood that Jacobsen was driving through also made a call to report a similar sighting at the same time.
"I couldn't hardly believe my eyes," Jacobsen told the news source. "I would say it was big. If it didn't have a long tail on the end of it, I would almost think it was a deer, but it had a big long tail on the back. It was impressive."
Another car that was driving adjacent to Jacobsen pulled over, and the drivers said they had seen the cat as well. Wildlife officials say that sightings are not uncommon during this time of year.
Those who want to increase their personal safety against wild animals might want to buy pepper spray. When used properly, it can temporarily blind an aggressive creature and give a person the chance to flee.
