Mountain Lion Spotted in San Francisco Yards, Prompting Official Warning
Authorities successfully captured the animal after residents reported sightings in the Outer Sunset neighborhood.
A mountain lion was spotted roaming through residential yards in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood on Friday morning, leading officials to issue a warning to residents. Videos shared on social media showed the large cat moving behind bushes in yards where at least one window was observed to be slightly open.
One video posted on X captured the mountain lion moving through the yards of multiple homes in the vicinity of 44th Avenue and Ulloa Street. Another clip showed the animal crouched low behind a bush, with onlookers reporting that Animal Care & Control was present at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the animal was captured Friday morning and has been placed under the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Officials stated that the incident was resolved and there is no longer any danger to the public.
During the incident, authorities advised residents not to run if they encountered the mountain lion. Instead, they were instructed to make themselves appear large, wave their arms, shout, throw objects, and slowly back away.
This is not the first time a mountain lion has been sighted in San Francisco this month. Earlier in September, another mountain lion was spotted in a tree in the Panhandle neighborhood, near Fell and Baker streets, close to Golden Gate Park. City animal control officers responded to that sighting on September 5 after a dog walker reported the animal. While officials used a drone and illuminated the tree, the animal was not located, and a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicated it may have left the area before wardens arrived.