SANTA MONICA, CA – A residential neighborhood was placed on high alert Friday morning after a mountain lion was discovered sleeping in the backyard of a local home.
Backyard Discovery Sparks Lockdown
The unexpected sighting occurred near 14th Street and Montana Avenue. Homeowners captured video footage of the large cat resting peacefully among plants in the backyard.
Santa Monica Police immediately urged residents to stay indoors and keep their pets inside while officers secured the perimeter. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Safe Tranquilization And Relocation
Biologists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), alongside law enforcement officers, successfully tranquilized the mountain lion.
The animal is currently being evaluated by wildlife experts, including the National Park Service’s Santa Monica Mountains study team, to ensure a safe relocation back into its natural habitat. City officials expressed gratitude to the community for their patience and cooperation during the containment process.
Mountain Lions In California
Wildlife officials estimate that between 4,000 and 6,000 mountain lions live in California, with more than half of the state serving as prime habitat. While CDFW receives hundreds of sighting reports annually, attacks on humans remain extremely rare as the animals naturally avoid human interaction.
Official Wildlife Safety Guidelines
If you ever encounter a mountain lion, wildlife experts recommend the following safety measures:
- Do Not Run: Running can trigger a mountain lion’s predatory chase instinct. Face the animal and stay calm.
- Look Larger: Wave your arms, open your jacket, and speak in a loud, calm voice. Do not crouch or bend over.
- Protect Pets and Children: Keep small children close and never leave pets off-leash on local trails.
- Fight Back: In the rare event of an attack, fight back using rocks, sticks, or any available tools.
