In an unexpected turn of events, a family in Southern California set out to catch a pesky predator threatening their pets, only to find themselves face-to-face with a mountain lion. The Hernandez family, residing in Fallbrook, San Diego County, had been puzzled by the mysterious disappearance of several chickens and four family cats from their backyard.

Sonia Hernandez recounted to FOX 5 that their suspicions were initially directed towards a coyote. “There was a big hole on the rooftop and there were chickens missing, with feathers scattered everywhere,” she explained. With this in mind, her father-in-law took the initiative to construct a homemade trap, hoping to solve the mystery of their missing animals.

To their astonishment, the trap did not capture a coyote but instead contained a mountain lion. Concerned for the safety of her children, Sonia promptly contacted emergency services. Wildlife officials responded the following day, ensuring the mountain lion’s safe release back into its natural habitat.

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Fearing for her kids’ safety, Sonia said the family called 911 — only for wildlife officials to arrive the following day and release the animal back into the wild.

California law requires any privately trapped mountain lion to be set free in the same area where it was caught.

Hernandez said she understood that authorities were following protocol, but she and neighbors thought they would relocate the cougar to another area.

“We weren’t really happy about that because of our children and animals,” she said.

She added that “we do have that fear it will come back.”

Neighbor Jeanette Villegas, who owns horses on her property, also expressed concern.

“Releasing that animal knowing it has a food source, I believe it may come back,” Villegas said. “And I walk the property in the evening to check on my animals, and who knows if it’s watching me. It could be lurking behind a building, a bush, anything.”