Unconfirmed Mountain Lion Sighting Reported In Peninsula City

SAN MATEO, CA — Officers responded to an unconfirmed report of a mountain lion sighting in San Mateo Wednesday evening, police said.

A witness told police they saw a big cat in the area of Parrot Drive and Alameda de las Pulgas shortly before 5:30 p.m.

The witness said the animal walked out of sight in the 500 block of Parrott Drive according to police.

Officers checked the area and were unable to confirm the sighting with security cameras.

The animal didn’t act aggressive or predatory in any way according to police.

Officers remained on the scene to conduct a thorough check of the area according to police.

“Due to the time and area, we wanted our public to be made aware,” police said in a statement.

Although mountain lions rarely approach humans police suggest following these safety tips:

• Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
• If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
• Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active— dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or around wooded areas.
• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.

For more information about mountain lions visit here.

For more information on mountain lions and other wildlife that may visit residential areas, please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website here.