Just one day after California's first fatal mountain lion attack in 20 years, early risers in South San Francisco got an unexpected wake-up call when a mountain lion was spotted prowling the suburbs, captured on a RING camera on the 200 block of Mansfield Drive just after 7 a.m. The local police sprang into action with an area check following the sighting, but it seems the big cat was camera shy, evading officers who were unable to locate it. With no further sightings, this might have been a fleeting visit, but it was enough to get the neighborhood talking – and checking their own backyard security footage.

In an advisory, the South San Francisco Police Department urged caution, stressing that even a brief glimpse of these apex predators in the 'burbs should have locals on alert. The advice was clear – don't try to pet or feed the wildlife, folks. "We’d like to remind our residents to avoid mountain lions, even at a distance a brief glimpse should be cause for alarm," the department stated on their Facebook page. When it comes to a face-to-face encounter, size (and noise) matters; making yourself appear larger and making a racket could deter a curious cat. Oh, and here’s a no-brainer: keep Fido's kibble inside unless you want it to become an appetizer for a hungry mountain lion.

The city's alert also reminds pet owners that leaving food outside is akin to ringing the dinner bell for these feline hunters. Mountain lions, while generally elusive, can consider residential areas a one-stop shop for their dietary needs if domestic animals are left unsecured. The authorities advised residents to back away slowly if they find themselves up close with one of these animals and to report any sightings to the appropriate agencies. So, if you hear something more than the usual rustle in your hedges, it might be time to give the old local PD, Ranger District, or Fish and Wildlife Office a ring.

While the concrete jungle and the actual jungle don't usually overlap, it seems Mother Nature didn't get the memo this time around. As urban spaces encroach on natural habitats, sightings like these could become a new kind of normal. So residents of South San Francisco, keep your eyes peeled and maybe rethink that outdoor pet feeder – unless you're looking to provide free room and board to a mountain lion. For those needing to bone up on their big cat protocol, full safety tips are available courtesy of South San Francisco Police Department's Facebook page.