An unexpected visitor was seen prowling the courtyard of Tucson Medical Center last Friday. Video of the incident, which Scripps News Tucson shared, showed a mountain lion peering through the windows of the facility. ABC15 reported that the area was promptly secured by TMC, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was called to address the situation.
No injuries or threats to patients, staff, or visitors were reported, while officials worked to assess the best course of action for the animal. AZGFD spokesperson remarked on considering whether the mountain lion should be safely relocated to a wilderness area or perhaps to a zoo. Meanwhile, the public was informed on how to safely coexist with mountain lions, with the department highlighting not to approach the animals and always to report any encounters or attacks.
Similarly, the Arizona Daily Star stated that the male mountain lion was successfully tranquilized and removed from the premises. Aside from a broken window, no further disruption occurred. Officials planned to outfit the mountain lion with a GPS radio collar to monitor its movements upon its release back into the wild, following observation that the animal showed no aggressive behavior and appeared to be healthy.
