Residents on high alert after video shows third mountain lion sighting in San Mateo
SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- San Mateo residents are being asked to stay on high alert after several mountain lion sightings this weekend, two that were caught on surveillance video in a backyard.
A San Mateo family woke up to the surprise guest in their backyard Saturday morning around 6:45 a.m.
Though this wasn't the first encounter with the animal. The big cat was spotted the night before around 10 p.m.
Video shows the mountain lion roaming around in the backyard of the home.
VIDEO: Video captures mountain lion roaming backyard Saturday morning
RELATED: Pacifica man's close encounter with mountain lion: 'Kitty, kitty, kitty'
Police were called out to the home on Alameda de las Pulgas and did a search but could not find the animal.
San Mateo police are now advising residents to use caution in the neighborhood because of a third confirmed mountain lion sighting Saturday evening.
Police confirmed the mountain lion sighting on a live camera feed in the 4000 block of Alameda de las Pulgas.
Officers alerted some neighbors by going door-to-door Saturday morning.
Video released Sunday shows the Saturday night visit from the mountain lion.
VIDEO: Third mountain lion sighting Saturday night in San Mateo neighborhood
Sue Galloway lives next door to the homeowners that captured the video.
She says the creek in their backyards attract deer and other wildlife. When she heard about the mountain lion, she wasn't surprised.
"No, but I was surprised to see how big he was. I'm not going to be in my backyard for a while," Galloway said.
RELATED: Video shows mountain lion lurking on front steps of Pacifica home
Garrett Smallwood lives in the area and said there was a mountain lion sighting at a park two weeks ago.
"I was literally stopped by a park ranger who was like don't go in there, there's been a mountain lion sighting you want to turn around and go around the other way," Smallwood said.
He said it's good to be aware since there is a lot of wildlife in the area.
"We have a dog, we have a young kid and it's like frightening to have a huge mountain lion running around your yard," Smallwood said.
There have been multiple encounters in neighboring Pacifica including one earlier in the week at San Pedro Valley Park.
Police remind residents to avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas when mountain lions are most active, like at dawn, dusk and in the evening.
San Mateo Police share more safety tips here:
- 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.
VIDEO: What to do if you come face-to-face with a mountain lion
