SAN DIMAS, CA — A mountain lion was seen moving through a residential area of northern San Dimas on Friday morning, prompting a response from deputies, animal control and state wildlife officers. By afternoon, wildlife officials had tranquilized the animal and removed it from the neighborhood.

At a glance

• Animal: Mountain lion
• Where: Northern San Dimas, near Foothill Avenue and later Foothill Boulevard in Los Angeles County
• When: Friday morning, with removal completed by Friday afternoon
• What happened: Deputies and wildlife officers responded after reports of the big cat near homes, then tranquilized and loaded it into a truck
• Status: Safely relocated from the area
• Anyone hurt: No injuries were reported

What happened

San Dimas Sheriff’s Station deputies said they received a call Friday morning about a mountain lion along Foothill Avenue between San Dimas Avenue and San Dimas Canyon Road. Officials urged people to stay away from the area while they worked on a plan to handle the animal safely.

KTLA’s helicopter crew later spotted the mountain lion resting in the shade under trees along Foothill Boulevard between Walnut Avenue and Longhorn Drive. The animal appeared calm and occasionally lifted its head, but it remained in place while the helicopter stayed overhead.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and animal control officers responded and blocked off the street while they monitored the animal near homes. State Fish and Wildlife officials also arrived to help corral the lion, which was lying in brush alongside the roadway.

By Friday afternoon, wildlife officials had successfully tranquilized the mountain lion. It was loaded into a truck and taken away from the neighborhood for relocation.

About the animal

Mountain lions, also called cougars or pumas, are large cats with tan coats, long tails and rounded ears. Adults are powerful predators built for short bursts of speed and stealth, and they can cover long distances when moving through open space or foothill habitat.

They usually hunt deer, but they may also take smaller animals when available. Mountain lions tend to avoid people when they can, and most sightings happen briefly as the animal moves through a neighborhood, trail corridor or hillside area.

In Southern California, mountain lions are part of the regional landscape and can appear near canyons, hills and open space connected to natural habitat. They are not commonly seen in residential neighborhoods, but residents living near foothills or wildland edges are more likely to encounter one.

If you encounter one

Wildlife officials generally advise people to stay calm, face the animal and make yourself look larger. Do not run, crouch or turn your back, and keep children close and pets under control. Back away slowly if the animal does not leave on its own.

Never approach a mountain lion, even if it appears calm or is lying down. Give it a wide berth and avoid blocking its path. If you see one near homes, trails or a street, call local law enforcement or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and report the exact location.

To reduce the chance of an encounter, keep pets indoors at night when possible, bring food bowls inside, and secure trash, outdoor food and anything that might attract wildlife. Motion lights and fencing can also help, especially in neighborhoods close to open space.

What happens next

Officials said the mountain lion was removed from the area after being tranquilized and loaded into a truck. The animal was expected to be relocated away from the neighborhood.

Residents were told to remain alert and keep a safe distance if they spot another mountain lion nearby, and to contact the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station immediately.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.