A homeowner in Scripps Ranch woke up to find a large mountain lion roaming through their backyard, captured on security camera footage that has surprised neighbors in the residential area.

The mountain lion was spotted near Swan Lake Drive in the Scripps Highlands neighborhood, with video showing the animal slowly moving through the backyard, making a circle before disappearing over a fence. A neighbor posted the image to Nextdoor, telling others to be vigilant.

Rob, who lives next door to where the mountain lion was first spotted, said he was “shocked, because we’ve heard about coyotes and things like that, but never a mountain lion.” Another neighbor captured additional footage of the mountain lion on the edge of their driveway in the middle of the street.

“From what we could tell, it was across the street out front and then crossed over, and it seems like it went into the backyards from in between the two houses, and then we don’t know where it went from there,” Rob said.

While mountain lions are not rare in San Diego County, this sighting is unique because it happened in a residential neighborhood that doesn’t back up to open spaces.

“It’s pretty surprising to see it this far into the neighborhood and not right by the canyon side,” said Rob. Another neighbor added, “I think its pretty crazy to see a mountain lion in this neighborhood.”

Autumn Welch, San Diego Humane Society’s wildlife operations manager, says seeing mountain lions in suburban areas like Scripps Ranch isn’t that surprising. “Sometimes when we’re seeing them in more of our suburban areas, like Scripps Ranch, it’s because they’re passing through as they’re looking for food, or you know, other places to rest,” she said.

Mountain lions typically prefer deer as their main prey in San Diego, though they will hunt rabbits, birds and other smaller mammals when hungry. Welch recommends keeping house pets inside for safety.

If you encounter a mountain lion, Welch advises: “Whether it’s on a trail or in your backyard, definitely don’t turn your back to the animal. Do not run, do not crouch down. We recommend standing your ground, making loud noises, making yourself look big.”

Rob is now escorting his two dogs outside as a precaution. His eight-year-old daughter Riley had a different reaction to the footage: “I was surprised, but I did it kind of look cute to me.”