Reported Mountain Lion Sighting Near Carmel Valley Road

Authorities searched open areas near Black Mountain Park on Tuesday following a reported mountain lion sighting, but found no sign of any such wild predator cat, a sheriff's official said.

A passer-by reported seeing what appeared to be puma roaming on a hiking trail near Winecreek and Carmel Valley roads in 4S Ranch shortly before 9:30 a.m., according to Lt. Scott Amos.

Deputies searched the area on foot and aboard a sheriff's helicopter for about 45 minutes, spotting no mountain lion, Amos said.

Sheriff's personnel will keep an eye out for the animal in the course of their normal duties in the rural community west of Rancho Bernardo, Amos said.

"They'll certainly be aware that there may be a big cat out there somewhere," he said.

—City News Service