A community in Southern California is on edge following the mysterious disappearance of a large dog, which left behind a disturbing trail of blood. There’s growing anxiety among residents that a mountain lion might be responsible for the incident, especially since just days before, two other pets were reportedly killed in the vicinity.
The unsettling event occurred over the weekend in Oak Glen. A resident shared with news outlets that she believes her missing mastiff was attacked and carried off.
Remarkably, the dog hasn’t returned home, an occurrence she describes as out of the ordinary; only blood stains were found in its place.
While locals in the San Bernardino County foothills are accustomed to wildlife sightings, the recent events have heightened their fears.
“We come across a lot of bears, coyotes, and deer,” 17-year-old Gianna Cedillo said about life in the wooded area.
She added, with a hint of caution, “You always have to keep an eye on the animals… you can never predict what might happen next.”
Officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicated that they haven’t received any confirmed reports regarding this latest case.
Nonetheless, the disappearance has unsettled residents, many of whom have captured predatory animals on their home security cameras.
This anxiety follows a particularly violent incident a week prior in Yucaipa, where a mountain lion attacked a homeowner, resulting in the death of his two large dogs.
Wildlife authorities mentioned that they assess suspected attacks on an individual basis, noting that although mountain lions typically target deer, pets can also fall victim.
“If multiple attacks point to a destructive trend in the community, relocation may be considered,” said a spokesperson from the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Experts caution that a scarcity of natural prey might push these big cats to hunt domesticated pets, especially those left outside.
As residents remain vigilant, they’re being encouraged to implement safety measures, like keeping pets in secure spaces—especially at night.
According to Cedillo, “I carry a small Taser gun and have bullets with me when I head out to tend to the animals. We always try to lock them up at night.”
