Mountain Lion Darted After Discovered Sheltering Under Vehicle In Busy California Neighborhood
Escondido, CA — California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers were called out after a mountain lion was spotted sheltering under a vehicle in Escondido.
After assessing the situation the officers decided it was best to dart the mountain lion due to the busy urban environment and a growing crowd of onlookers. Using a long gun loaded with tranquilizer rounds, officers darted the mountain lion.
It briefly fled to a nearby apartment complex, where it was closely monitored with the help of a police drone hovering overhead. Additional sedation was administered to ensure the animal could be safely handled safely before being transported to a controlled area for evaluation.
The lion was found to be in excellent health, well-fed, with a clean coat and no visible injuries. A tracking collar was fitted to help monitor its movements after release.
Around 11:00 p.m., once fully awake and alert, the mountain lion was safely released into suitable habitat near Cleveland National Forest. Staff watched as it walked off and rested near a tree, initially a bit unsteady but quickly regaining normal movement.
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