A mountain lion was spotted in a San Francisco neighborhood and subsequently left the area on its own.
Authorities confirmed a mountain lion was perched in a tree in the San Francisco Panhandle neighborhood over the weekend. The sighting was reported on Saturday evening, prompting a joint response from park rangers, police, and wildlife officials. Residents were alerted to stay aware of the animal as officials monitored the area through the night. Wildlife officials stated that the mountain lion was not aggressive and was able to leave the park peacefully. The animal is expected to have followed a natural wildlife corridor back to its habitat. By Sunday morning, all police tape and vehicles were removed, and the lion was no longer in the tree. While mountain lion sightings in the city are rare, experts note that the animals often enter urban areas from nearby wooded regions. Officials stated that the lack of a confirmed sighting of the lion leaving the tree may be due to the animal's elusive nature. San Francisco Animal Care and Control has asked the public to report any future sightings at (415) 554-9400.
Sources
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S.F. mountain lion: Is it still in Golden Gate Park after new reported sighting?
San Francisco Chronicle
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Mountain lion sightings spark warnings on South Bay trails, rare appearance in San Francisco
NBC Bay Area
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Wildlife officials say no more sign of mountain lion seen in San Francisco Golden Gate Park's Panhandle at Fell and Baker streets
ABC7 Bay Area
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Think you spotted a mountain lion? These are the telltale signs to be sure