Mountain lion sighting reported near Iowa City

An apparent sighting of a mountain lion reported to University Heights police Friday morning prompted at least two Iowa City Elementary schools to keep kids inside for recess.

University Heights Police Chief Ron Fort said the report of a sighting near the playground at Horn Elementary School, 600 Koser Ave., came in at about 7:45 a.m. Friday. Chief Fort said two different people called police to report seeing what they thought was a mountain lion.

The chief said he cruised around the area and didn't see any physical evidence of a large cat. But he did consider the report credible enough to notify two nearby schools.

Both Horn Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary, 611 Greenwood, decided to keep all kids indoors for recess periods on Friday. The schools electronically notified parents of the reason.

Chief Fort said while he saw no sign of a mountain lion in the area reported, he does know that deer congregate in areas near Horn Elementary. He said he believes it is possible deer could draw a predator, like a mountain lion, if it is in the area.

The chief says while the schools are in an urban setting, there is an approximately 17-acre wooded area west of Kinnick Stadium that could provide cover for such an animal.

School officials have not said if they will take any precautions after the upcoming Labor Day weekend.