A mountain lion set off adramatic wildlife responsein a busy Escondido neighborhood, ending in a tranquilizer takedown, a drone-assisted pursuit and a nighttime release back into the wild near the Cleveland National Forest.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials were called to the intersection of Mission Avenue and Grape Street at about 1:30 p.m. Monday afterreports of the big cat tucked under a vehiclein a densely populated residential area.
“Due to the busy urban setting and a growing crowd of onlookers, environmental scientists made the call to safely immobilize and relocate the animal,” CDFWsaid in a statement on Facebook.
The situation escalated after the first tranquilizer dart was fired.
The mountain lion bolted from the scene and ran into a nearby apartment complex, where authorities kept close watch using apolice drone overhead.
Officials ultimately deployed a second dose of sedative before moving in to secure the animal.
Despite the tense encounter, the animal was later described as being in excellent condition, well-fed, with a clean coat and no visible injuries.
Wildlife crews fitted the mountain lion with a tracking collar to monitor its movements following release.
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Hours later, around 11 p.m., the big cat had fully recovered from sedation and was released into suitable habitat near the Cleveland National Forest.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
