Fairfeld police on prowl for mountain lion

Fairfield, Conn. (WTNH) - Fairfield police have received two reports of mountain lion sightings over the past three days.

One occurred Friday morning in the vicinity of Mine Hill Road at Verna Hill Road. The other was on Wednesday afternoon near Redding Road at Old Academy, police said.

In a statement police said, "although sightings are unique to this area it's important for people to be aware of the fact these animals can pose a danger to humans as well as domesticated pets."

These are the latest reports of mountain lions reportedly spotted in Connecticut. One cat was killed on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Milford this past Saturday, and may be the same one that was previously spotted in Greenwich. 

Police detailed several precautions people should take. Those include:

• Keep children indoors around dawn and dusk
• Do not feed wildlife that would be a potential prey
• Install or use motion detector lighting, especially near sidewalks and pathways
• Scatter mothballs and ammonia-soaked scraps of cloth around your yard

If you come face to face with a mountain lion, Fairfield Police say:

• Do not approach
• Gather and protect your children
• Keep eye contact and back away slowly, without running
• Give the mountain lion an avenue for escape

Any sightings should be reported to police. In Fairfield, the department's emergency communication center can be reached at 203-254-4800.