MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20211013-038
Wednesday October 13, 2021
SMPD Community Alert: Mountain Lion Sighting and Safety Tips
This morning, a community member reported seeing a mountain lion in the backyard of a residence located in the 500 block of Bucknell Drive. The resident observed the mountain lion standing near a recently killed racoon. Upon seeing the resident, the mountain lion quickly jumped on top of a fence, remained in the area for a few moments, and then ran towards Colgate Avenue. SMPD officers conducted a thorough search of the area; however, they were unable to locate the animal.
The resident said the mountain lion did not behave aggressively towards him. He described the mountain lion as the size of a large dog: approximately two feet tall, four feet long, and weighing about 50 pounds.
This alert is for information only and has been issued only as a precaution to our community. The San Mateo Police Department would like to remind you of a few simple tips to protect you and your loved ones from mountain lions.
PLEASE REMEMBER THESE SAFETY TIPS REGARDING MOUNTAIN LIONS
Although it would be rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, you should follow a few simple rules to keep you and your family safe:
- Do not feed deer. It is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- DO NOT APPROACH a mountain lion if seen, 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.
- Do not run if you encounter a mountain lion. Instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MOUNTAIN LIONS PLEASE VISIT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE WEBSITE AT https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Office of the Chief
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 |
[email protected]
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