Mountain Lion Spotted In Boston-Area Town

ACTON, Mass. -- Acton residents are being warned about a mountain lion on the prowl.

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NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that there have been two sightings of a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, in the past week.

"It was scary. It was a growl. It was loud and it was deep. It was what you envision when you hear it -- you just envision this large cat," said Acton resident Colleen DiPietro.

"It sounded like an animal in distress running around our house about three times," said Acton resident Ellen Schemerhorn.

Experts say mountain lions no longer roam the area, but this sighting on Mohawk Street is different -- two police officers saw the cat, too.

"When they got out the cruiser and went to the back, they reported seeing a large animal walk by them. They describe it as a 5- to 6-foot cat, very low to the ground, very muscular with a long tail," said Acton police Lt. Don Palma.

An electric sign has been put up in town to alert residents and pet owners. Police are also urging people who jog at dusk or dawn to use extra caution.

"I wouldn't rule anything out, but it would be my belief if there was a cougar here, it is probably an illegal release. There is an illegal trade of wildlife of what they call 'prestige pets,'" said Tony Wolski, of the environmental police.

If you do come face to face with a mountain lion, experts say you should not run, try to appear as big as possible and make a lot of noise.