A mountain lion was reported Monday near a residential neighborhood in Escondido, triggering a swift response from local police and wildlife officials.

 

According to the Escondido Police Department, the call came in at approximately 1:34 p.m., reporting the animal moving eastbound along Mission Avenue.

 

 

The big cat was later located near the 700 block of Mission Grape Street, where it was reportedly hiding underneath a vehicle.

 

Officials from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to assist officers, working to safely tranquilize and remove the animal from the area.

 

 

Several hours later, authorities confirmed the mountain lion had moved locations but was ultimately tranquilized without incident.

 

Update: Authorities from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported that they successfully rescued and relocated a mountain lion found under a vehicle in an urban area of Escondido. Due to the growing number of onlookers at the scene, the animal was tranquilized and closely monitored, including with the assistance of a police drone, after it attempted to take refuge in a nearby apartment complex.

 

After being sedated again to ensure safe handling, the mountain lion was evaluated and found to be in good health, with no visible injuries. A tracking collar was also fitted to monitor its movements.

 

Hours later, once fully recovered, the animal was safely released into a suitable habitat near the Cleveland National Forest. The operation highlighted the coordination between wildlife officials and local law enforcement to protect both the community and California’s native wildlife.