San Mateo Police Hit Mountain Lion Running Across SR-92

SAN MATEO, CA — Police in a patrol vehicle struck a mountain lion that was bounding across State Route 92 just before 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, officials said.

The officer was passing the Hillsdale Boulevard exit when he spotted the lion running across lanes from left to right. The officer applied his brakes but ultimately hit the large cat, the San Mateo Police Department said in a statement.

The lion was no where to be found after the collision, but the impact left a dent and patches of animal hair on the car. The officer was not hurt, officials said.

"This alert is for information only and has been issued only as a precaution to our community," police wrote in a statement.

The department offered the following mountain lion safety tips:

• Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions. 
• Do not approach a mountain lion if seen, 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. 
• Do not run if you encounter a mountain lion. Instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children.