A Los Angeles County neighborhood saw an unusual midday scare Friday when residents reported a female mountain lion wandering through the streets of San Dimas.
According to the LA County San Dimas Sheriff Station, deputies were called after the big cat was spotted along Foothill Avenue between San Dimas Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road on Friday morning.
Authorities warned people in the area to steer clear, remain alert and use caution while crews with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife worked to safely capture and relocate the animal.
Residents were also advised to bring pets indoors and clear away any outdoor food sources that might draw the mountain lion closer to homes.
Photos from the scene showed the large feline resting on a sidewalk near shrubs and beneath a tree.
Deputies cordoned off the area and kept it secure while waiting for wildlife officials to arrive.
At about 11 a.m., a wildlife official shot the mountain lion with two tranquilizer darts, ABC7 reported.
One hit the lion, but the animal proceeded to chew on it before spitting it out. About a half hour later, officials approached the sleepy lion and used a transport tarp to take the animal out of the neighborhood.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed it responded to the scene after getting a call about an injured mountain lion.
“Preliminary observations indicated the animal was injured and Department staff subsequently chemically immobilized the mountain lion to conduct a field assessment,” the CDFW told The California Post.
“We can confirm the mountain lion is female. The field assessment was inconclusive, although biologists observed signs of external injuries.”
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Many people have reacted to the news on social media, concerned about the lion’s condition. One person said the animal was “just trying to relax.”
“I’m glad she was safely relocated. She looked terrified. She knew she was in the wrong place. Glad she’s back in a safe place,” another added.
“Poor kitty is ‘leave me alone; I’m trying to nap,’” a third wrote.
The CDFW said the lion is being transported to a veterinarian for a more thorough examination to find the source of her injury, but noted “vehicles are one of the leading causes of wildlife mortalities in the county.”
