Palo Alto’s animal control officers are investigating reports of a mountain lion sighting on a residential block near Rinconada Park, according to a news release that the Police Department issued on Saturday morning.
The sighting occurred on the 700 block of Northhampton Drive, in the Leland Manor neighborhood, police said. Animal control officers and the staff from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife both responded to the reports and police went to the scene and are monitoring the situation, according to a news release issued at 8:15 a.m.
The mountain lion was later 1900 block of Byron St., in the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, police said at 9:44 a.m.
The mountain lion did not display aggressive behavior, police said. They encouraged residents on Saturday morning to avoid the area. Those in the immediate area were advised to also keep pets indoors.
Despite an extensive search throughout the day, the mountain lion could not be located as of late afternoon, police said shortly before 5 p.m.
Anyone who encounters a mountain lion is encouraged to stay away from it and to call 9-1-1 immediately. The Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that people not approach, run from or crouch down near mountain lions. They should keep children close to them, do all they can to appear larger and fight back if attacked, according to its guidelines.
The mountain lion was first reported on the 700 block of Northhampton Drive. Screenshot from Google maps
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Gennady Sheyner is the editor of Palo Alto Weekly and Palo Alto Online. As a former staff writer, he has won awards for his coverage of elections, land use, business, technology and breaking news.
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