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MAPLETON — A quiet Mapleton neighborhood is on edge after multiple mountain lion sightings, including one involving a mother and cub spotted just feet from a family home. It all began nearly three weeks ago when the Wilber family saw an adult cougar and its cub in their yard. Since then, the larger cat has returned, most recently seen lurking near the family’s chicken coop, nestled under a canoe. Homeowner Jean Wilber says she believes there are at least three cougars roaming the area. Her home security camera captured one of the younger cats, and her husband had a close encounter with it. “The one he saw was younger—it was about 10 feet away from my daughter,” Wilber said.The Wilbers live on a street teeming with children. “From right here to not even a block away, there are 26 kids,” Jean added. Most of them are staying indoors until the cats are found and relocated. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and local police have been working with the family to track the animals. A trap baited with meat has been set in the backyard, and Jean’s husband even followed the larger cougar one night, but it vanished before authorities could arrive. “Cougars are wild animals — you can’t predict what they’ll do,” Jean warned. “But they’re going to go after pets, chickens, and toddlers.” Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant, keep pets indoors, and report any sightings immediately.
