SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Authorities say there have been four mountain lion sightings in San Francisco in the last week.
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In a joint statement from the Presidio Trust, Animal Care and Control and the National Park Service, people reported sightings starting June 30 in the western Presidio, on Gough Street and most recently on July 3 near Lake Merced. All sightings are believed to be of the same animal.
But reports of mountain lions or bears in the city often turn out to be large dogs or cats, so it remains unclear if the mountain lion wandered as far in San Francisco as it appears. Surveillance footage was taken on June 30 in the Sea Cliff neighborhood, the same day a driver in the Presidio reported seeing a mountain lion there. Sightings are common place in the surrounding mountainous communities where there have already been several this year, but human interaction with mountain lions is actually quite rare. The boy was released from hospital shortly after the attack and the animal was shot and killed after authorities failed to capture it. Mountain lions typically hunt deer and other small animals. If you come across one, appear as big and threatening as possible, make noise, and eye contact. New video released shows two mountain lions, a male and female, just four months ago near Crystal Springs in San Mateo County.
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Pull children close to you and pick them up without crouching down. Wave your arms and clap your hands above your head.
