Wild late night fake outs frustrating California wildlife officials: ‘Waste taxpayer resources’

The latest “mountain lion” terrorizing a Sacramento neighborhood wasn’t a predator at all, it was an AI-doctored image.

But wildlife officials say the fake feline is part of a growing online trend, as eerily realistic AI-generated clips showing impossible backyard encounters, from bears cozying up to house cats to coyotes mingling with pets and rabbits, rack up millions of views and leave neighbors wondering what’s real.

The viral Nextdoor post sent residents in Lemon Hill scrambling this week after claiming a mountain lion had been spotted prowling a backyard near Fruitridge Road and Stockton Boulevard.

Officials still investigate credible reports to determine whether a field response is necessary — no matter how outrageous the image.

By Wednesday, the post had amassed more than 300 likes, around 100 comments and over 200 shares before experts with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) shut it down.

“It’s fake,” CDFW spokesperson Peter Tira told KVIE after the department’s human-wildlife conflict team reviewed the footage.

Investigators determined the supposed big cat was actually an AI-edited image of an ordinary house cat, citing inconsistencies in the animal’s size, movement and body shape.

The fabricated sighting is the latest headache for California wildlife officials, who say AI-generated animal hoaxes are increasingly consuming staff time and fueling unnecessary panic.

“Fabricated reports generated through AI or other computer-assisted programs often generate fear, waste taxpayer resources and are a huge disservice to the community,” Tira told the station.

The clips have collectively attracted millions of views despite being digitally fabricated.

Ironically, while AI is creating new problems for wildlife officials, the technology is also helping the department. 

CDFW is using advanced AI data models to monitor ecosystems and protect marine life, even as it battles fake wildlife reports and inaccurate AI-generated interpretations of wildlife regulations.

The agency stressed that mountain lions are native to California, but verified sightings in densely populated neighborhoods are uncommon and attacks on people remain rare.

Residents who encounter an aggressive wild animal or an immediate public safety threat should call 911.

For non-emergency sightings, CDFW advises submitting original photos or videos through its Wildlife Incident Reporting system rather than sharing unverified social media posts that could spark needless fear or waste public resources.