These sightings were before the recent string and, in the past, haven't been exclusive to fire season but I suppose that is still be a part of larger habitat change/ reduction.
I know they're around but normally sightings are when they're caught them on motion activated cameras. Coming up on someone's property at night.
I've never seen one in the wild but I did see two at the Oakland Zoo. They were actually much bigger and more intimidating in person than I thought.
That thing could definitely kill a person with ease.