Community members in San Dimas alerted authorities after a female mountain lion was seen on Foothill Avenue Friday morning, prompting deputies to secure the area while CDFW responded. Wildlife officers fired two tranquilizer darts around 11 a.m.; one hit but was chewed off, and the cat was removed about 30 minutes later on a transport tarp. CDFW observed external injuries and is taking the animal to a veterinarian for further evaluation; vehicle strikes remain a major threat to local wildlife. Residents were urged to keep pets inside and remove attractants.
Female Mountain Lion Roams San Dimas Streets, Prompting Neighborhood Lockdown and Rescue
Residents of San Dimas were surprised Friday morning when a female mountain lion was spotted roaming a residential stretch of Foothill Avenue, forcing deputies to temporarily lock down part of the neighborhood while wildlife officials moved in to intervene.
It was a wild scene in one Los Angeles county neighborhood after residents spotted a female mountain lion cruising the streets of San Dimas in the middle of the day. Sky 5
The LA County San Dimas Sheriff's Station said deputies responded to reports of the big cat along Foothill Avenue between San Dimas Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road. Authorities advised locals to avoid the area, stay alert and exercise caution while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) prepared to capture and relocate the animal safely.
A mountain lion is seen roaming in a residential area of northern San Dimas along Foothill Avenue. San Dimas Sheriff's Station's
Deputies also urged residents to bring pets indoors and remove any outdoor food sources that could attract the cat. Photos and video from the scene showed the mountain lion resting on a sidewalk near shrubs and under a tree while officials secured the perimeter.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed it responded to the scene after getting a call about an injured mountain lion. Sky 5
According to ABC7 and CDFW reports, a wildlife official fired two tranquilizer darts at the animal at about 11 a.m. One dart struck the lion, but the animal chewed at and discarded it. Roughly 30 minutes later, CDFW staff approached the groggy animal, placed her on a transport tarp, and removed her from the neighborhood.
A mountain lion was spotted cruising the streets in San Dimas. San Dimas Sheriff's Station's
CDFW statement: "Preliminary observations indicated the animal was injured and Department staff subsequently chemically immobilized the mountain lion to conduct a field assessment. We can confirm the mountain lion is female. The field assessment was inconclusive, although biologists observed signs of external injuries."
Authorities respond to a mountain lion found in a residential area of San Dimas, California. Sky 5
CDFW said the mountain lion was being transported to a veterinarian for a more thorough examination to determine the source and extent of her injuries. The agency also noted that vehicle strikes are among the leading causes of wildlife mortality in Los Angeles County, underscoring the risks animals face near roads.
The daytime sighting drew numerous reactions on social media, with many users expressing concern for the cat—some describing her as "just trying to relax"—and others relieved that she was safely removed from the residential area.
What Residents Should Know
If you see wildlife in a neighborhood: keep a safe distance, secure pets indoors, avoid approaching the animal, and call local authorities or CDFW for assistance.
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