A mountain lion was found resting in the backyard of a Santa Monica home near 14th Street and Montana Avenue and was safely tranquilized by a CDFW biologist. CDFW Law Enforcement and National Park Service specialists assisted with transport; no injuries were reported. Officials urged residents to stay indoors during the response and reiterated safety precautions for those living or recreating in mountain lion country.
Mountain Lion Found Napping in Santa Monica Backyard — Safely Tranquilized and Relocated
Photo Credit: iStock
A mountain lion was discovered resting in the backyard of a Santa Monica home near 14th Street and Montana Avenue, prompting a coordinated response from police and wildlife officials after video shared by NBC4 showed the animal lying among plants behind the property.
Officers secured the scene and asked neighbors to remain indoors and keep pets inside while they "worked with appropriate wildlife resources" to manage the situation.
According to officials, a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) safely administered a tranquilizer. CDFW Law Enforcement assisted with transportation, and specialists — including a National Park Service team working in the Santa Monica Mountains study area — are expected to evaluate and relocate the mountain lion.
No injuries were reported. After the animal was secured, authorities thanked the community for its patience and cooperation throughout the response.
Why These Sightings Happen
Wildlife officials estimate California is home to roughly 4,000–6,000 mountain lions and say more than half the state provides suitable habitat, particularly where deer and other prey are present. As residential development increasingly overlaps with natural habitat, encounters between people and predators can occur more often.
Safety Guidance For Residents
- Avoid hiking, biking or jogging alone in mountain lion country; be especially cautious at dawn, dusk and night when these animals are most active.
- Keep dogs on a leash and do not let pets roam off‑leash near wildlands or on trails.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Stay calm, face the animal, make yourself appear larger and give it an escape route.
- If an attack occurs, fight back and call 911 immediately. Report any unusual mountain lion behavior to your local CDFW regional office.
"At this time, there are no reported injuries," police said. "We thank the community for its patience, cooperation, and care throughout this response."
This incident highlights the growing overlap between human neighborhoods and wildlife habitat and reinforces the importance of following safety advice when living near wildlands.
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