San Francisco’s mountain lion wandered away, animal experts say
San Francisco Chronicle • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A mountain lion was spotted in a tree in San Francisco’s Panhandle on Saturday, prompting a major response from police, park rangers, and wildlife officials, but the animal left peacefully overnight without incident.
- The lion displayed defensive behavior only while climbing the tree and was not aggressive; officials confirmed the animal moved on to a more suitable habitat and no longer posed a threat.
- Authorities used thermal-imaging drones and lights to monitor the area but did not locate the lion after evening, and the scene was quiet with no sightings reported the following day.
- This sighting marks the second mountain lion appearance in San Francisco this year, with a previous case in January involving a lion that was tranquilized and safely relocated.
- Residents expressed concern and curiosity, but officials emphasized that mountain lions commonly pass through the city and usually return to their natural habitats without needing intervention.
