Crime & Safety

Mountain Lion Spotted Monday Night

The animal was seen around 6 p.m. in Portola Valley.

A mountain lion was spotted near a business in Portola Valley on Monday night, according to San Mateo County emergency officials.

An off-duty Peninsula Humane Society officer saw the creature at about 6 p.m. in the 800 block of Portola Road.

Sheriff's deputies searched the area but did not find the mountain lion.

Find out what's happening in San Mateofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.

Here are a few tips:

Find out what's happening in San Mateofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
  • Keep a close watch on small children.
  • If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
  • Pick up small children.

For more information about mountain lions click here www.keepmewild.org

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.