Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been told to lock down their California mansion amid sightings of a mountain lion in the area.
The couple have been warned to secure their $14.6 million home after the dangerous predator was captured on outdoor security footage prowling around the exclusive celebrity enclave of Montecito where other A-list stars such as Oprah Winfrey, Ariana Grande and Brad Pitt also reside.
The former full-time royals have also been alerted to the threat the lion poses to the flock of chickens they have adopted which could tempt the beast to get closer to their sprawling residence.
The CCTV images, which showed the mountain lion roaming down a homeowner's driveway, pinpointed the wild animal to within five miles of their property.
Experts said it was possible the lion could be on a scavenger mission for food and water after having been driven down from the hills by the severe drought gripping California.
Sharon Byrne, executive director of the Montecito Association, said: "The fact we have security footage shows though that residents are taking this seriously as it was shot by a camera which is what we've been urging residents to install.
"We want all locals to secure their homes and secure their chicken coops and whatever other animals they may have.
"Chickens can be a fast, easy source of food for hunting animals so they have to be safe and secure.
"We also urge residents to secure their garbage so animals can go rummaging around for scraps, to have night lighting, alarms, cameras and so on.
"Mountain lions are solitary creatures and ultimately, they don't want to be around people so we're hoping this one moves on by itself."
Harry, 37, and Meghan, 41, adopted rescue chickens during the coronavirus pandemic and have two rescue dogs, which could also be seen by the lion as potential prey.
The footage, which dates back to July 23, has scared local residents who are worried that the creature could attack their children or pets.
The CCTV camera had only recently been fitted by the homeowner who installed it at the request of local authorities.
One member of the community told The Sun that the neighbourhood is home to a lot of wildlife like coyotes, bears and deer but mountain lion sightings are rare.
The resident said: “We’re in a drought so the animals are thirsty but also there have been fires and a mudslide in recent years which seems to have brought down the bigger animals.
“People in the area feel safe during the day but they’re taking precautions during the night.
“I would be very scared if I came across that mountain lion in person rather than on video."
The last human fatality caused by a mountain lion in California took place in 2004 when a 35-year-old man was mauled to death at Whiting Ranch Regional Park in Orange County.
