Police responded Friday morning to a report of a mountain lion sighting in a Santa Monica neighborhood and warned residents to remain indoors during a search that closed streets in the area.

The sighting was reported near 14th Street and Montana Avenue in a residential area. Nearby streets were closed for the search.

Police said the mountain lion was apparently sleeping in the backyard of a residence.

“Out of an abundance of caution, officers are in the area assessing the report and working with appropriate wildlife resources,” police said on X. “At this time, there are no reported injuries.”

Residents were urged to stay indoors and keep pets inside. Anyone who sees the mountain lion should call 911, police said.

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Police Responding to Possible Mountain Lion Sighting near 14th and Montana

Santa Monica Police Department personnel are responding to a report of a possible mountain lion sighting in a residential area.

Out of an abundance of caution, officers are in the area assessing the… pic.twitter.com/gqiSohE7Vu

— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) May 29, 2026

There are about 4,000 to 6,000 mountain lions in California, but wildlife officials call that a crude estimate without an ongoing statewide study. More than half of the state is considered prime habitat for the big cats, which can be found wherever deer are present.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife receives hundreds of mountain lion sighting reports each year. Few result in mountain lions being identified as posing an imminent threat to public safety, the department said. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare and their nature is to avoid humans.

Here’s a full list of recommendations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife of what to do during a mountain lion encounter.

Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Stay alert on trails.Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.Keep a close watch on small children.Off leash dogs on trails are at increased risk of becoming prey for a mountain lion.Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Running may trigger chase, catch and kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.Do not crouch down or bend over. Squatting puts you in a vulnerable position of appearing much like a 4-legged prey animal.Be vocal; however, speak calmly and do not use high pitched tones or high pitch screams.Teach others how to behave during an encounter. Anyone who runs may initiate an attack.If a lion attacks, fight back. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools, even an ink pen or bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect head and neck.If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.Report unusual mountain lion behavior to your local CDFW regional office.