A mountain lion has been seen in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s California neighborhood.
Following sightings of the ferocious beast, the couple was compelled to lock down their $14.6 million property in Montecito.
They were also warned that their flock of hens may serve as an easy prey for the predator, luring it to their wide enclave.
The mountain lion was seen lurking about five kilometers away on outside surveillance camera.
The cat was seen skulking down a homeowner’s driveway, past his bins and vehicle, before disappearing into the distance.
Experts speculated that the lion may have descended from the hills in search of food and water during California’s chronic drought.
‘The fact that we have security tape demonstrates that homeowners are taking this seriously since it was captured by a camera, which is what we’ve been asking residents to install,’ said Sharon Byrne, Executive Director of the Montecito Association.
‘We ask all residents to safeguard their houses, poultry coops, and any other animals they may have.’
‘Chickens may be a quick and simple supply of food for hunting animals, therefore they must be safe and secure.’
‘We also ask households to lock their waste so that animals do not go foraging for crumbs, and to install night lights, alarms, cameras, and other security measures.’
‘Mountain lions are lonely animals who don’t like to be near humans, so we’re hoping this one goes on its own.’
In addition, Harry and Meghan have two rescue dogs to keep an eye on, which might be targeted by the mountain lion.
The film, which was captured on July 23, has horrified residents, who are afraid the beast would harm their children or pets.
The homeowner who took it had just recently placed the camera after local authorities requested it.
‘There are all sorts of creatures in the area – coyotes, bears, and deer – but it’s uncommon to see a mountain lion,’ one resident told the Sun.
‘We’re in a drought, so the animals are thirsty, but there have also been fires and mudslides in recent years, which seem to have brought down the larger animals.’
‘People in the region feel comfortable during the day, but they take extra care at night.’
In 2004, a 35-year-old man was mauled to death by a mountain lion in Whiting Ranch Regional Park in Orange County, California.
The latest victim in the Montecito region was a one-year-old child who was assaulted in Gaviota State Park in 1992. He survived, although he had 50 puncture wounds and required 600 stitches.