A juvenile mountain lion filmed in San Francisco's Pacific Heights has been located, officials said. San Francisco Animal Care & Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are coordinating a safe relocation after the cat was seen on the night of Jan. 25. No injuries have been reported; residents are urged to give the animal space, keep children and pets secure, and report sightings immediately.
Young Mountain Lion Roams San Francisco's Pacific Heights; Authorities Locate Animal and Plan Safe Relocation
Photo of a mountain lion in CaliforniaNational Park Service via AP
A juvenile mountain lion filmed wandering through San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood has been located, city officials said, and wildlife teams are working to secure and relocate the animal safely. No injuries were reported.
An AlertSF notice cited by ABC News 7 confirmed that San Francisco Animal Care & Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are coordinating the response. The cat was first recorded on video the night of Jan. 25 near Lafayette Park and elsewhere in Pacific Heights.
Mountain Lion - stock photoKathleen Reeder Wildlife Photography/Getty
Wildlife specialists estimate the animal is about one year old — the typical age when young mountain lions disperse from their birthplace to establish new territory. Officials said the animal likely became disoriented while trying to move south and out of the city.
Timeline and Response
Shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, San Francisco Animal Care & Control confirmed the feline's location and said it was working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine next steps. Wildlife crews have indicated plans to capture and relocate the animal humanely once it can be done safely for both the cat and residents.
Mountain Lion in Colorado.Chase Swift/Getty
Eyewitness Accounts
The sighting drew a mix of fascination and caution from neighbors. 'We love to see things like this, like so much wildlife in the city,' San Francisco resident Manuel Cases told ABC News 7. 'But a little bit concerned because, you know, little puppies. So we are not coming in until we know everything is safe.'
'We locked eyes when I looked up and saw it. It looked as scared as me. I backed away to safety back into the garage with my dog,' one Instagram commenter wrote, calling the encounter 'shockingly beautiful and absolutely terrifying.' The commenter said the animal did not act aggressively during the encounter.
Safety Guidance
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and to avoid approaching the mountain lion. Recommended precautions include giving the animal plenty of space, backing away slowly (do not run), picking up small children, keeping dogs leashed, and contacting San Francisco Animal Care & Control immediately if the animal is spotted. As of the latest update, no injuries have been reported.
While such urban sightings are uncommon, authorities noted they can occur when young mountain lions disperse in search of territory. Wildlife teams continue to monitor the situation and will relocate the animal when conditions allow.
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