MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20191204-064
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTING
On Wednesday, December 4, 2019, around 9:01 AM, a mountain lion was seen in the 200 block of W 39th Avenue near San Mateo Medical Center. The witness said the animal walked out of sight towards the west parking lot and the animal didn’t act aggressive or predatory in anyway. Police officers are conducting a thorough check of the area and the animal has not been located at this time. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified.
As a reminder, here are a few safety tips regarding mountain lions:
While it would be rare for a mountain lion to approach humans, you can 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.
- 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 around 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.
- For more information about mountain lions visit www.keepmewild.org
For more information on mountain lions and other wildlife that may visit residential areas, please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website:
www.wildlife.ca.gov/
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Desk: (650) 522-7626
Email:
[email protected]
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