Bat in Hand, Cool as Ever—Rochester’s Curtis Jones is an Internet Sensation

A local man’s vivid account of encountering a mountain lion in downtown Rochester has sparked a social media frenzy and propelled him into the spotlight.

Curtis Jones' July 10, 2025 interview with 13 WHAM have received millions of views on the internet

Curtis Jones, during a 13 WHAM interview, said he was walking near Rauber Street late Wednesday, July 9th when he spotted a large feline. Clutching his child’s baseball bat, Jones recounted that the animal “just walking … went right over there” before emitting a distinctive “rawr” that he said he both heard and felt.

His calm, yet animated, delivery during the interview with WHAM‑Channel 13 quickly went viral, amassing millions of views across platforms.

“It said ‘rawr.’ I felt that ‘rawr.’ I knew to keep it pushing,” Jones told reporters, noting he promptly headed for safety.

Later, he added: “I’m gonna keep this bat... just in case. I ain’t gonna let nothing happen to us”.

The sensational clip prompted emergency services to briefly issue a shelter‑in‑place order in the North Clinton–Rauber area, though officials later lifted it after failing to confirm the big cat’s presence.

Despite the lack of physical evidence, a Ring doorbell video provided by local resident Stephanie (Jasmine) Baez appears to show a large feline prowling near Grand Avenue.

State environmental officials joined the probe. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said if the video is authentic, the animal may be a mountain lion—likely an escaped captive rather than a wild native, as the species hasn’t populated New York since the 1800s.

The DEC urged public caution: anyone spotting the animal should keep their distance, back away slowly and report it immediately.

Seneca Park Zoo confirmed all of its big cats are were for, while the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone to survey the area.

Residents and social media users have responded with fascination—some viewing Jones as Rochester’s latest cultural icon. On Reddit, one user commented:

“This guy is a whole vibe. Make him famous Reddit.”

Jones, meanwhile, hopes to channel his sudden fame into community goodwill. “It brought joy,” he said, adding he might use his platform to help others.

Authorities continue to investigate. Meanwhile, Jones says he’s keeping his bat close—and his eyes open.