Harry and Meghan are warned that a mountain lion is prowling near their $14 million Montecito mansion after a drought drove it to the affluent enclave, and are urged to protect their chickens
- The couple have been ordered to seal off their $14.6 million Montecito mansion
- They were also told that their flock of chickens could be an easy target for the beast
- The mountain lion was caught on security video of a homeowner roaming nearby
- The clip showed the animal sneaking down a homeowner’s driveway and sneaking past the car
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been warned of a mountain lion stalking their California neighborhood.
The couple were ordered to seal off their $14.6million Montecito mansion after sighting the vicious beast.
They were also told that their flock of chickens could be an easy target for the predator, luring it to their sprawling enclave.
The mountain lion was caught on outdoor security footage roaming just five miles from their home.
The clip showed the animal slinking down a homeowner’s driveway, past his trash cans and car, before disappearing into the distance.
Experts suggest the lion may have descended from the hills in search of food and water amid the widespread drought that is crippling California.
The couple were ordered to lockdown their $14.6million Montecito mansion after sighting the vicious beast (pictured).
They were also told that their flock of chickens could be an easy target for the predator, luring it to their sprawling enclave
The mountain lion was caught on outdoor security footage roaming just five miles from their home (pictured).
The couple showed off the chickens they rescued from a factory farm when they performed with Oprah last year
Mountain Lions: 220-pound beasts that defeat moose and are America’s second largest big cat
Mountain lions are the second largest big cat in the United States after jaguars.
They can weigh up to 220 pounds and reach 9 feet from nose to tail. They have been known to attack humans and even kill moose when hungry.
LA is one of only two major cities in the world where big cats live within city limits, Mumbai is the other. Around 100 are believed to live in and around the Santa Monica Mountains.
National Park Service scientists put GPS collars on most of them. Their lives are threatened in the region due to habitat loss, with many being hit by vehicles as they desperately search for food.
Some have also taken up inbreeding because they cannot escape their own territory to find a suitable mate. Rat poison was also a major threat to them, as many households put it out to rid their neighborhoods of vermin.
An amazing 28 out of 29 mountain lions tested in a study by the NPS found anticoagulant compounds in their systems. Seven also died from the chemicals.
Montecito Association Executive Director Sharon Byrne said: “However, the fact that we have safety footage shows that residents are taking this seriously as it was captured by a camera which we have encouraged residents to install.
“We want all local people to secure their homes and secure their chicken coops and any other animals they have.
“Chickens can be a quick and easy source of food for game animals, so they need to be safe and secure.
“We also urge residents to secure their rubbish for animals to scavenge for rubbish, have night lights, alarms, cameras and so on.
“Mountain lions are solitary animals and ultimately don’t want to be around humans, so we’re hoping this one will continue on its own.”
Harry and Meghan also have to keep an eye out for two rescue dogs that could also be attacked by the mountain lion.
Footage captured on July 23 has startled locals who fear the beast could attack their children or pets.
The homeowner who took her had recently installed the camera at the request of local authorities.
A local told the Sun: “There are all kinds of animals in the neighborhood – coyotes, bears and deer – but it’s rare to see a mountain lion.
“We’re in a drought so the animals are thirsty, but in recent years there have also been fires and a mudslide that seems to have brought down the larger animals.
“People in the area feel safe during the day but take precautions at night.”
A mountain lion last killed a person in California in 2004, when a 35-year-old man was beaten to death at Whiting Ranch Regional Park in Orange County.
The last casualty in the Montecito area was in 1992, when a boy under the age of six was attacked at Gaviota State Park. He survived but was covered with 50 stab wounds and required 600 stitches.
A plaque on the side of the cabin reads “Archie’s Chick In”. Founded 2021′
The update in question comes just a week after Meghan celebrated her