Mountain Lion Sighting Reported Near La Mesa

A mountain lion that apparently roamed into the outskirts of an East County commercial district Tuesday prompted a precautionary search of the area, but eluded further sightings.

The person who reported spotting the big cat near a warehouse-style grocery store in the 7400 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove about 7:30 a.m. took a photo of the animal and showed it to responding deputies, sheriff's Sgt. Matt Cook said.

"The animal appeared to be lying in the bushes of a vacant lot just west of the Food4Less," Cook said. "Deputies checked the area but were unable to locate the mountain lion."

Sheriff's personnel notified the state Department of Fish and Game about the reported wildlife sighting.

Anyone spotting such a potentially dangerous wild animal is asked to call 911 immediately.

–City News Service