A large, adult mountain lion was spotted in a Santa Barbara neighborhood Saturday morning according to the Santa Barbara Police Department.
The mountain lion was spotted between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. around 700 Laguna St. in Santa Barbara.
State Fish and Wildlife officials said they sighted the animal during a sweep of the area and identified it as a large, possibly male, adult mountain lion.
After an exhaustive search, police said the animal was last seen in the 800 block of Laguna St.
What to do if you encounter a mountain lion:
U.S Forest Service said most mountain lions avoid confrontation, so if you spot a mountain lion give them time to escape.
They said to not run from a lion because running stimulates the mountain lion’s instinct to chase.
They said if you spot a mountain lion, you should try to appear larger, by raising your arms, opening your jacket, waving your arm slowly and speaking in a firm, loud voice.
The Santa Barbara Police Department advises people to call 911 if they sight or encounter a mountain lion.
