Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park has reopened. The park initially closed out of an abundance of caution on Nov. 4 due to mountain lion activity and remained closed following heavy rains which caused wet and muddy trail conditions.
Due to the confirmed mountain lion sightings at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, visitors are advised to always stay alert of your surroundings. Please keep in mind the following tips:
- Do NOT hike, cycle or jog alone
- Stay in groups. Keep everyone together, especially children
- Make noise while hiking to alert lions to your presence
- Hike during daytime hours when lions are less active
If you do see a mountain lion, do not run. Hold your ground, make noise, wave your arms and make yourself appear larger. Throw items at it to scare it away. Do not crouch down or turn your back. Report any sightings to the park office at 949-923-2245. Be sure to include approximate time, location and contact information if park rangers have additional questions.
For more information about mountain lion risks, please see our mountain lion flyer.
For more information regarding mountain lions in California, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion
Monday, November 10, 2025: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park remains closed until further notice due to recent mountain lion activity and ongoing research being conducted in the park.
Due to recent mountain lion activity, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is closed until further notice.
The park closed out of an abundance of caution on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, following two reported mountain lion sightings on Monday, Nov. 3. One sighting occurred at approximately 4 p.m. and the other around 5:30 p.m. In both instances, the reporting parties stated the mountain lion was following them but eventually ran off. Video of one incident was shared with OC Parks. It is unknown if the same mountain lion was involved in both sightings.
Mountain lions are seen at OC Parks facilities, including Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and typically do not prompt park closures. However, given the behavior exhibited in these encounters, a closure was deemed necessary.
OC Parks is working closely with wildlife researchers and biologists from UC Davis Wildlife Health Center to gather information about the animal and better understand its behavior, including deploying cameras to monitor activity and looking for evidence of the mountain lion within the park such as recent animal tracks and scat. The recent sightings have also been reported to California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Additional updates on the park status will be made as they become available. Click here to view our mountain lion flyer for more information about avoiding wildlife conflicts.
For more information regarding mountain lions in California, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion
