LANCASTER – A Lancaster resident woke up Monday morning to find a mountain lion in her front yard. Barking dogs alerted the woman to the 100-pound cougar, and the terrified woman contacted authorities.
The call came into the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station around 8 a.m. from a home near 40th Street West and Avenue F in Lancaster, just north of Apollo Park, according to Sgt. Moore of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.
Deputies responded to the scene and monitored the situation for safety until the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded, Moore said.
By this time, the mountain lion had climbed into a tree in the resident’s front yard.
Fish and Wildlife officers darted the animal with a tranquilizer, and once subdued, the female mountain lion was taken to safety, Moore said.
“They tranquilized her and they were able to take her away and get her into a rescue, so she’s fine,” Moore said.
Mountain lions prefer deer but, if allowed, they also eat pets and livestock. In extremely rare cases, even people have fallen prey to mountain lions, according to Fish and Wildlife officials.
If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise, try to look bigger by waving your arms and throw rocks or other objects, officials warn.
More tips on handling mountain lion encounters can be found at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/lion.html.
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Arlen says
Awwwe u poor wuss. Scare of a darn lion. Wen I encounter a lion I kill em with my hands. . A Wild life Lover Arlen Mccow
Aries says
if any of you guys would like to see felines in the AV, visit the feline breeding ground in rosamond. just head west after getting off the 14 fwy and you will see the signs at a stop sign after a few miles. many ppl in the AV are not aware this place exist. its cool and cheap, kids love it. its not like a zoo where they are far away, they actually in small cages and is only a few feet away from you. great for taking pix.
Yo Mama says
That is so cool!! I always knew they were in the area, but not that close to town! Rad picture, too!
Matt K. says
Very beautiful lioness! Nice picture (whoever took it)!
sikntired says
Got some powerful back legs on her-great picture.