Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20190708-041
Monday, July 8, 2019
 
SMPD Community Alert: Mountain Lion Sighting and Safety Tips 
 
This morning, a community member reported seeing on video a mountain lion walking along the sidewalk in the 400 block of 22^nd Avenue on Sunday, July 7^th at 4:00 A.M. According to the video, the mountain lion never acted predatory or aggressive in anyway and it was seen walking eastbound. San Mateo Police Officers conducted a thorough search of the area and were unable to locate the animal. 
 
Please review video surveillance here: https://video.nest.com/clip/99bb90641f5443a8a3a1855e19c52e4e.mp4


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 about mountain lions, click https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Lion.