Mountain Lion Seen Prowling Lake Of The Ozarks Neighborhood

CAMDENTON, Mo. — A Lake of the Ozarks resident says she saw a mountain lion in her backyard, on the Niangua Arm of the Lake in Camdenton.

The woman lives in Normac Estates off Highway 54 and Ballpark Road and emailed her neighbors about the sighting, which took place on Friday, Jan. 5.

"We live with woods behind our homes with the Lake in front," said neighbor Jackie Newton Banjavic. "We get tremendous amounts of wildlife here. I would have loved to see it myself. We have large herds of deer here, so I am certain it was looking for a free meal."

Banjavic's neighbor wrote the following in a note to the small community on Jan. 5:

"I just want to let everyone know that there was a mountain lion in my backyard this morning having a stare down with my dog. Once it saw me, it did walk into the woods. I attempted to get a video, but was too deep in the woods."

The woman also said she contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation about the big cat, but an agent told her they would not do anything unless it became a problem. Those in the area should stay alert.

The department has never stocked these predators in Missouri, and don't plan to do so. Since 1996, fewer than 100 cases have been confirmed as mountain lions. Most investigations turn out to be bobcats or large dogs. To report a sighting, contact the Mountain Lion Response Team with the MDC.

"I have noticed no deer around my house for about a week, so I think this may be the reason," the woman said in her email. "The Conservation agent said they usually stay from people and will not harm you. If you do come in contact with one, make the animal aware of your presence and make sure the animal can escape."

Banjavic said she had not heard of a mountain lion sighting in years, but they have had a small bear.

"My deer herd didn't seem too concerned today," Banjavic said. "I suppose we had better keep Peanut the Prairie dog close to our sides."