Peninsula residents on alert after mountain lion sighting

SAN MATEO HIGHLANDS, Calif. -- A resident in the San Mateo Highlands reported seeing a mountain lion Friday night and then found an animal carcass in the same area Saturday morning, according to the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services.

At about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office received a report of a mountain lion sighting in the 2000 block of Queens Lane near De Anza Boulevard, officials said.

The Peninsula Humane Society was notified of the incident and responded to the scene.

To avoid a mountain lion encounter, residents should avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas at dusk, dawn and at night, when mountain lions are most active, and should keep a close watch over children.

Residents who see a mountain lion, especially if it is feeding or with offspring, should not approach it.

Anyone who comes face to face with a mountain lion is advised not to run, and instead face the animal, make a noise and try to look bigger by waving, throwing rocks or other objects at the animal.