A mountain lion sighting was reported in Hillsborough on Monday night, according to the Hillsborough Police Department.
A resident on Parrott Drive spotted the big cat about 10:40 p.m. and saw that their security cameras captured an image of the animal, police said.
No further details were available. Police said Hillsborough is a natural habitat for mountain lions.
Police and Fish and Wildlife officials say it's rare for a mountain lions to approach humans, but they offered some safety tips to remember:
- Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- If you see a mountain lion do not approach it, especially one that is feeding or with offspring.
- Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.
- Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active — dawn, dusk, or at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
- Pick up small children.
- Keep all pets and pet food indoors at night. Even the largest domesticated dogs and cats can be prey to a mountain lion.
For more information about mountain lions visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
