One lion, who officials say has been in the area for three to four years, has been reported seen a minimum of twice a week near Alamitos Creek off of Graystone, near Leland High School. The other big cat has been spotted along Guadalupe Creek between Meridian and Camden avenues.

"They are being attracted by the deer in the area," said Mike Phillips, wildlife specialist for the Santa Clara County Vector Control District.

Phillips said residents have reported that other neighbors are feeding the deer and "treating them as friends." The lions, as natural predators of deer, are seeking the deer as a food source, said Phillips, who added that feeding large game animals, such as deer, is illegal, and the state fish and game department will cite people who are caught feeding them.

"Stop feeding the wildlife," he said. "Don't leave pet food out and don't let your pets run at large."

Trail users have reported seeing the lions by the creek, very near to the trails.

There have been no reported attacks by the lions, but people have been in very close proximity to them, Phillips said.

"If someone sees one, the best thing to do is not to run," he said. "Make your presence known. Be the aggressor. These animals have learned that man is not a threat."

The Santa Clara Valley Water District is working closely with the vector control district to post warning and educational signs in the sighting areas. For safety precautions, Phillips recommends that people not go into these areas alone.

"Don't jog alone. Don't hike alone," he said. "Don't play in the creek. If you're going to hike in an area, carry a large walking stick. Air horns are good to carry because they scare the animal."