A 3-year-old male mountain lion wandered into an Escondido neighborhood, prompting wildlife officials to tranquilize it with a game dart. The animal was sedated and then released into the Cleveland National Forest.
The incident occurred in the 700 block of North Grape Street, where the cougar took refuge underneath a pickup truck at an apartment complex.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials used staff on the ground and drones to monitor the animal's location before tranquilizing it. The mountain lion was given an ear tag and collar before being released into the forest.
Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Steve Gonzalez confirmed that the mountain lion is a 3-year-old male and was not euthanized, as expressed relief by Facebook users who responded to the Escondido police online post.