Are mountain lions becoming more frequent visitors in North Texas? Recent confirmed sightings in Frisco, near Lake Lewisville, and throughout Collin County suggest a notable increase in the presence of these elusive creatures, prompting both excitement and concern among residents.
The early morning hours of November 1st brought an unexpected visitor to the backyard of a Frisco resident, Brent Blackwell. Captured around 4:30 a.m. by his security camera, the video evidence showcases a mountain lion moving through the property. Blackwell shared the footage with CBS News Texas, highlighting the unexpected nature of the encounter.
This sighting, however, is not an isolated incident. Another rare mountain lion sighting has been reported in North Texas, further fueling the intrigue. Video footage, this time showcasing a big cat at the Lake Dallas RV Park near Lake Lewisville, adds to the growing number of confirmed and unconfirmed sightings within the region.
The confirmation of mountain lion activity in the area has been confirmed by The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) as well. TPWD has recently confirmed security camera footage that documented a mountain lion within the western part of Frisco, specifically near Lake Lewisville. This sighting was reported to TPWD on Monday.
Brent Blackwell, the Frisco resident, found himself surprised by the massive mountain lion captured on his security cameras. He told CBS News Texas that he had installed the cameras to monitor his backyard, as he noticed an increase in animal activity. He was certainly not expecting to find such a large predator roaming around.
The resident's discovery made him the second person to report a mountain lion sighting in the area. The initial sighting occurred on October 27th, also near Lake Lewisville, demonstrating a pattern of activity within the vicinity. Furthermore, other sightings have emerged in Collin County, prompting officials to issue alerts and reminders to the public to remain aware of the surroundings.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's official stance, according to a statement, confirms the sighting of a mountain lion in the Frisco area, near Lake Lewisville, as captured on security camera footage. This revelation has prompted the Frisco Police Department to monitor the situation closely. The incident, reported to TPWD on a Monday, has officials actively monitoring the area.
The confirmed sightings in North Texas are causing local residents to take note. The presence of a mountain lion in the Frisco area, near Lake Lewisville, has prompted concerns about the safety of pets and people. Wildlife officials have emphasized the importance of safety in any potential encounters, even though these large cats are relatively rare to be found within the metroplex.
The recent reports are not the only instances of mountain lion activity in North Texas. In late 2020, a mountain lion was spotted in Rowlett and parts of Collin County. While it is believed that it was likely killed by hunters in Hunt County, it indicates that these big cats are sometimes present in the wider region.
On November 1, another North Texas man also got a surprise when his security camera caught a mountain lion in his backyard. The location was not disclosed, but it further demonstrated the prevalence of this apex predator in the metroplex. In addition, another sighting was reported near Weston, Texas, in November 2020. All of these sightings have occurred at night, and there have been no reported interactions with people or pets.
Although attacks on people are incredibly rare, with fewer than 30 confirmed fatal mountain lion attacks in North America within the last century, the presence of these animals warrants caution and awareness. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department emphasizes safety as a priority in any potential encounter.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently confirmed security camera footage of a mountain lion in western Frisco, near Lake Lewisville, which was reported on Monday, according to a TPWD. The sighting occurred on November 4, 2024, as confirmed via CBS News. According to reports, the lion was recorded on security camera footage and reported to the state parks.
The third mountain lion sighting in North Texas adds further concern, prompting a heightened awareness among residents. In Collin County, an alleyway camera in Plano captured the image of a mountain lion, believed to be the same animal observed in other locations.
Here's a summary of key information regarding the mountain lion sightings in North Texas, formatted for easy reference:
| Incident | Location | Date (Approximate) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frisco Backyard Sighting | Western Frisco, near Lake Lewisville | November 1, 2024 | Captured on security camera footage at approximately 4:30 a.m.; reported to authorities. |
| Lake Dallas RV Park Sighting | Lake Dallas RV Park, near Lake Lewisville | Unknown | Video footage showing a mountain lion present at the park. |
| Collin County Sightings | Various locations in Collin County (e.g., near Princeton, Plano alleyway) | October/November 2024 | Trail camera photos, general reports of sightings. |
| Rowlett / Collin County Sighting | Rowlett and parts of Collin County | Late 2020 | Likely killed by hunters in Hunt County, according to officials. |
| Celeste Sighting (Unconfirmed) | Celeste, Texas | November 7, 2020 | Earliest possible sighting; unconfirmed. |
| Weston Sighting (Unconfirmed) | Near Weston, Texas | November 12, 2020 | Unconfirmed sighting. |
The recent sightings of mountain lions in North Texas, particularly in areas such as Frisco and the vicinity of Lake Lewisville, have brought about a heightened awareness of these majestic creatures. While it is important to remember that attacks on humans are rare, with very few confirmed fatal incidents occurring in North America over the last century, residents should still exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures.
Mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, panthers, or catamounts, are native to Texas. Their presence in suburban areas, such as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is considered rare. However, the recent confirmation of sightings in Frisco and the surrounding areas, has led to concerns among residents about the potential for interactions with pets and even humans.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has been actively monitoring the situation and has confirmed the presence of mountain lions in the region through security camera footage. This confirmation has prompted the Frisco Police Department to take notice and monitor the area. The department has also emphasized safety in all encounters, underlining that such interactions, while rare, can have unexpected consequences.
