San Mateo police officers reported seeing a large mountain lion in the parking pot of the police academy at the College of San Mateo early Monday.
The offices were on routine patrol of the campus at 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd. when they spotted the mountain lion, police said. The mountain lion ran into the brush after seeing the officers, disappearing into its natural habitat, police said. Officers did not locate the animal after a search of the area.
“This alert is for information only and has been issued only as a precaution to our community,” police said.
Citizens who see a mountain lion in their neighborhood are encouraged to dial 9-1-1, and to remember these safety rules:
- 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 www.keepmewild.org.
