Mountain Lion Caught In Escondido Neighborhood Released Near Cleveland National Forest

ESCONDIDO, CA — A mountain lion that was captured after roaming an Escondido neighborhood was fitted with a tracking device and relocated near the Cleveland National Forest, authorities said.

The animal was reported Monday afternoon in the 700 block of North Grape Street, prompting a response from local police and state wildlife officials.

The mountain lion was seen hiding under a vehicle near an apartment complex, according to the the Escondido Police Department.

Officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife tranquilized and captured the male mountain lion around 7 p.m., which was fitted with a collar and released at 11 p.m. near the Cleveland National Forest.

The animal was between 2 and 3 years old and weighed around 112 pounds, according to Steve Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"The mountain lion was fitted with a collar that will allow us to monitor the animal for eight months," Gonzalez told Patch.