Mountain Lion Sighting Reported In Peninsula Neighborhood

SAN MATEO, CA — A small mountain lion sighting was reported by a resident in San Mateo Tuesday morning but police officers did not find the animal after checking the area, police said.

The sighting was reported at about 6:45 a.m. in the area of Fernwood Street and 31st Avenue by a woman who said the mountain lion walked out of view into a backyard and didn't act aggressive in any way, according to police.

"Our officers have conducted a thorough check of the area and the animal was not located," San Mateo police said in a news release. "As a precautionary, local schools in the immediate area were notified of the report."

Police offered the following advice when dealing with mountain lions:

• 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.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about 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 click here www.keepmewild.org

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Shutterstock