Department of Fish and Wildlife

80-Pound Mountain Lion Tranquilized in San Mateo

A mountain lion was tranquilized Monday afternoon after it was spotted in the backyard of a home in San Mateo, officials said.

The 80-pound mountain lion will be given a radio-tracking collar by the Santa Cruz County Puma Project. Authorities said the mountain lion will be relocated to a more remote area.

The puma was first spotted around 9:35 a.m. in the backyard of a home on the 500 block of Virginia Avenue. It was later spotted roaming from yard to yard.

Police said the mountain lion, a female, did not appear to be aggressive, but they alerted about 800 homeowners to keep their pets and kids inside.

"I ran home to lock the doors and make sure our cat was in the house," resident Tim Grant said.

Shortly after 11 a.m., officers confirmed they located the mountain lion on Alameda de las Pulgas between Crystal Springs Road and Georgetown Avenue, police said.

Fish and Wildlife crews also responded to the scene. Crews tranquilized the mountain lion around 2:30 p.m., authorities said.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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