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.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story 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.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!“Fabr...