NEED TO KNOW
A young mountain lion was spotted roaming San Francisco neighborhoods
Officials say the animal is about a year old and likely lost
Wildlife crews plan to relocate the mountain lion safely; no one was hurt during the sighting
A young mountain lion spotted roaming a San Francisco neighborhood has been located, city officials confirmed, easing residents’ concerns after video of the animal circulated online.
According to an AlertSF notice cited by ABC News 7, San Francisco Animal Care & Control and California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel are now “managing the situation.”
The young mountain lion was first caught on video the night of Sunday, Jan. 25, in the city’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, including near Lafayette Park. Experts believe the animal is around a year old — an age when mountain lions typically disperse from their birthplace in search of new territory.
Mountain Lion – stock photo
Kathleen Reeder Wildlife Photography/Getty
Officials said the animal likely became disoriented while attempting to move south and out of San Francisco. “It’s likely that the mountain lion got lost while dispersing, is confused, and will soon find its way south and out of San Francisco,” Animal Care & Control said in a Facebook post.
Around 6:20 a.m. on Jan. 27, San Francisco Animal Care & Control confirmed the location of the large feline and reported that the agency was working alongside the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine next steps.
The sighting left some residents both fascinated and cautious. “We love to see things like this, like so much wildlife in the city,” San Francisco resident Manuel Cases told ABC News 7. “But a little bit concerned because, you know, little puppies. So we are not coming in until we know everything is safe.”
Mountain Lion in Colorado.
Chase Swift/Getty
On Animal Care & Control’s Instagram post, a commenter alleged they came “face-to-face with the lion” and described the unexpected encounter as “shockingly beautiful and absolutely terrifying.”
“We locked eyes when I looked up and saw it. He looked as scared as me. I backed away to safety back into the garage with my dog,” the person wrote, noting that the animal was perfectly positioned to pounce, but restrained itself. “I think he is not aggressive since he hasn’t attacked anyone and had more than an opportunity tonight,” the comment read.
Animal Care & Control urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animal. If a mountain lion is spotted, officials say people should give it plenty of space, back away slowly, and not run. Adults are advised to pick up small children, keep dogs leashed, and contact Animal Care & Control immediately. No injuries have been reported as of writing.
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Authorities emphasized that sightings like this, while rare, can occur as young mountain lions search for territory — and stressed that the situation remains under close monitoring.
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