Friday afternoon in Old Town Pasadena got a lot wilder than usual when a mountain lion was spotted lounging in the shade beside an apartment building at Del Mar Boulevard and Euclid Avenue. Pasadena police issued a shelter-in-place advisory for surrounding blocks and warned that traffic could slow down as officers temporarily shut nearby streets. Animal control officers and local police gathered at the scene while state wildlife specialists prepared to evaluate the big cat and decide what to do next.
Local reports say the animal was resting next to an apartment complex at the intersection as California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists and wildlife officers headed in to assess the animal and the scene. As reported by CBS Los Angeles, officials will determine whether to capture, tranquilize or simply monitor the mountain lion once they finish their evaluation.
What state wildlife officers do
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife typically handles urban mountain lion sightings with an eye on both public safety and animal welfare. Biologists try to use non-lethal options first when they can, and they may move to capture and relocate an animal if it appears to be a threat. Officials note that mountain lions are usually reclusive but can wander into the urban wildland interface, where neighborhoods back up against open space. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides guidance on when and how its staff responds to reported sightings and conflicts.
How to stay safe
The City of Pasadena’s parks guidance urges residents to stay calm and use common sense if they come across a big cat. “Never turn your back and run from the animal or make sudden moves,” the advisory warns. People are told to make noise, pick up small children and report any sightings. For the full list of precautions, check the City of Pasadena advisory.
How this fits a wider pattern
The Pasadena visit is part of a recent stretch of urban mountain lion encounters across Los Angeles County. In late May, wildlife officials tracked, tranquilized, collared and relocated a mountain lion that had wandered into a Santa Monica neighborhood, according to CBS Los Angeles.
Authorities are asking residents to stay indoors until the Pasadena situation is resolved and to steer clear of the area so officers and wildlife specialists can do their work safely. Anyone who spots a mountain lion or other concerning wildlife is urged to call local law enforcement and report the sighting to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through its Wildlife Incident Reporting system at California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
