Mountain Lion Spotted in San Francisco Yards
A mountain lion was sighted in the Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco on Friday, prompting Animal Care & Control to issue a public warning. The animal was later captured and handed over to California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Residents were advised not to run and to make themselves a…
By Felo News Desk · Published
A mountain lion was spotted prowling the front yards of several homes in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood on Friday morning, sparking an emergency response from local animal control and wildlife authorities. Video footage posted on the social media platform X showed the big cat moving cautiously behind bushes, with a slightly open window in one of the houses. The sighting prompted officials to issue a public warning to residents, advising them to stay calm and avoid running if they ever encounter a mountain lion again.
What Happened
According to reports, the first video of the animal was shared by a user named @CKaftonKTVU on X. The clip captured the mountain lion moving slowly behind a shrub in a residential yard, with a window just ajar. A second video, posted by @mike_dewald, showed the cat crouched low behind another bush, giving residents a clear view of its size and demeanor. Both videos were taken near the intersection of 44th Avenue and Ulloa Street in the Outer Sunset.
Animal Care & Control arrived on the scene shortly after the videos went live. The agency confirmed that it had secured the animal and handed it over to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) game wardens for safe relocation. The CDFW spokesperson, Krysten Kellum, later stated that the wardens had not seen the animal during their own search, suggesting it may have left the area before they arrived.
Official Response and Safety Advice
City officials quickly issued a warning to nearby residents. “The incident has been resolved, there is no danger to the public,” the update read, according to KRON4. In addition, Animal Care & Control reminded neighbors not to run if they encounter a mountain lion. Instead, they should slowly back away, make themselves appear larger by raising their arms, shout loudly, and throw objects to deter the animal.
These guidelines echo standard wildlife safety protocols that have been in place for years. Residents are encouraged to keep pets indoors, secure trash cans, and be vigilant during dawn and dusk when mountain lions are most active.
Previous Encounters in the City
This is not the first time a mountain lion has been seen in San Francisco. Earlier in September, a predator was spotted perched in a tree near Fell and Baker streets in the Panhandle neighborhood. The animal was discovered by a dog walker who noticed it climbing a tree with dense foliage. Animal control officers arrived on September 5th, but the lion had already disappeared before they could secure it.
In that earlier incident, officials used a drone to illuminate the tree canopy in an attempt to locate the animal, but no sightings were confirmed. The CDFW confirmed that the lion had likely left the area before the search team could arrive. These repeated sightings underscore the growing presence of mountain lions in urban fringe areas of the Bay Area.
What Happens Next?
While the immediate threat has been neutralized, city officials are reviewing their wildlife response protocols. The San Francisco Department of Public Health is coordinating with the CDFW to monitor mountain lion activity in the region and to develop community outreach programs aimed at educating residents on how to coexist safely with large predators.
Officials also plan to increase patrols in high‑risk neighborhoods and to install additional surveillance cameras in residential areas. Residents are encouraged to report any future sightings to Animal Care & Control and to follow the city’s safety guidelines.
For now, the mountain lion that roamed the Outer Sunset has been relocated to a wildlife rehabilitation center, where it will receive care before being released into a suitable habitat. The city remains vigilant, and residents are urged to stay informed through official channels.
Key facts
- Mountain lion spotted in Outer Sunset on Friday
- Animal Care & Control captured and transferred the animal
- Officials issued safety guidelines to residents
- Similar sightings occurred earlier in the city
- City plans to improve monitoring and public education
Why it matters
The sighting highlights the increasing overlap between urban communities and wildlife, raising concerns about safety and the need for effective management strategies.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I see a mountain lion?
Stay calm, back away slowly, make yourself appear larger, and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
Where are mountain lions most likely to appear in San Francisco?
They tend to be found in the Outer Sunset, Panhandle, and other neighborhoods with nearby green spaces.
How can I protect my pets?
Keep pets indoors or supervise them closely, especially during dawn and dusk.
Who should I contact if I see a mountain lion?
Call Animal Care & Control or the local wildlife agency immediately.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Mountain lion spotted prowling in San Francisco yards as officials issue warning to neighbors”
