Mountain Lion Spotted In Berkeley Hills Sunday

BERKELEY HILLS, CA — A mountain lion made a brief appearance Sunday near the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, according to police at the University of California at Berkeley.

The mountain lion appeared outside the lab's perimeter fence near a parking lot and did not appear aggressive, police said.

The lion disappeared into the hillside and was not seen again.

Police believe the wild animal was in search of deer, which are a major source of food for mountain lions.

In order to reduce encounters with mountain lions, police advise people to avoid hiking or jogging alone, especially at dusk and dawn, when lions are normally hunting.

Additionally, children and pets should be within arm's reach when hiking or jogging. Also, a walking stick can help ward off a lion, according to police.

Mountain lions should not be approached, especially if it is feeding or with its young. Mountain lions will usually avoid a confrontation.

Anyone who encounters a mountain lion is encouraged to stay in place, face the animal, make noise and try to appear big by waving arms or throwing rocks.

Police also said, that as with any emergency situation, people should call 911 after spotting a mountain lion.

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock