Watch: Mountain Lion Separated From Its Mother Waits In Backyard Tree

SANTA CLARITA, CA — State wildlife officials are hoping that what goes up will eventually come down in Santa Clarita. Namely, they are hoping a 7-month-old mountain lion stationed high atop a tree in the backyard of a home in Santa Clarita will come down when its mother comes looking for it.

As nightfall fell Friday, California Department of Fish and Wildlife were patiently waiting for the lion's mother before taking any action to bring the young lion down out of the tree.

"Earlier today, homeowners reported the sighting, prompting a response from wildlife officers. Upon investigation, it was determined the kitten likely got separated from its mother, and will look to reunite after dark," the California Department of Fish and Wildlife posted on Facebook with a video of the young lion. "CDFW officials plan to wait until nightfall, as the mother may come back to retrieve her cub."

Wildlife officials urged, they urge the public to stay away, so the kitten could reunite with its mother, giving the endangered animal a better chance at survival.

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife offers these tips for surviving mountain lion encounters:

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Stay alert on trails.
• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.
• Keep a close watch on small children.
• Off-leash, dogs on trails are at increased risk of becoming prey for a mountain lion.
• Never approach a mountain lion. Give them an escape route.
• DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Running may trigger chase, catch and kill response. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms, or opening your jacket if wearing one; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
• Do not crouch down or bend over. Squatting puts you in a vulnerable position of appearing much like a 4-legged prey animal.
• Be vocal; however, speak calmly and do not use high-pitched tones or high pitch screams.
• Teach others how to behave during an encounter. Anyone who runs may initiate an attack.
• Carry and know how to use bear spray to deter a mountain lion. Bear spray has been shown to be successful in emergency situations with mountain lions. Have the spray readily accessible. Carry in a holster belt or attach to a mountain bike. Talk to the folks at your local outdoor store. Make sure you know how to properly use bear spray. People have been known to spray their own faces when attempting to use it.
• If a lion attacks, fight back. Research on mountain lion attacks suggests that many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, garden tools, even an ink pen or bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect head and neck.
• If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
• Report unusual mountain lion behavior to your local CDFW regional office.

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