South San Francisco, CA May 26, 2021 Submitted by San Bruno Police Department
May 25, 2021
SUBJECT: Mountain Lion Activity
CASE NUMBER: 2101395
DATE OCCURRED: 05/25/2021
TIME OCCURRED: 12:20 am
CONTACT PERSON: Lieutenant Brent Schimek
Press release by: Sergeant Joe Valiente
On 05/25/2021, at approximately 12:20 am, a mountain lion entered a residence on the 200 block of Ross Way, San Bruno, by breaking through an exterior glass window. It is believed that the mountain lion entered the residence because of several large game, taxidermy trophy heads, mounted on the interior walls of the residence. The mountain lion exited the residence after it was scared off by the homeowner. After an extensive area check the animal was not located. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.
While mountain lion sightings are fairly common throughout Northern California, this type of incident is out of the ordinary and the San Bruno Police Department would like to offer tips to the public, courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Mountain lions typically pose little threat to humans, and generally avoid any human interaction. People who live in mountain lion habitat can take precautions to reduce their risk of encountering a mountain lion.
- Deer-proof your property to avoid attracting a lion’s main food source
- Remove dense vegetation from around the home to reduce hiding spaces
- Install outdoor lighting to make it difficult for mountain lions to approach unseen.
- Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Always remember – Mountain lions are wild animals, and their behavior may be unpredicatble
- Do not hike, bike, or jog Do not hike, bike or jog at dawn, dusk, or night.
- Stay alert on Keep a close watch on small children and off-leash pets.
- Never approach a mountain Give them an escape route.
- DO NOT RUN. Stay calm. Do not turn your back. Face the animal, make noise, and try to look bigger.
- Do not crouch down or bend over.
- 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, and their bare hands. Try to stay on your feet. If knocked down, try to protect your head and neck.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911
If you see or encounter a mountain lion in a populated area in San Bruno, please contact the San Bruno Police Department. If you wish to report any past mountain lion sightings, please call our friends at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.