Mountain lion seen near California college captured. See safety tips

A mountain lion spotted last week near a college campus in Merced has been captured and relocated, police said.

The animal was spotted Thursday near Merced College, prompting a safety alert, the Merced Sun-Star reported.

On Friday, a resident spotted the mountain lion in a tree and called police, who notified the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The mountain lion was tranquilized and removed to be relocated, the publication said.

Here’s what to know if you encounter a mountain lion.

What to know about mountain lions

Mountain lions are known as solitary and elusive carnivores found across diverse habitats, mainly in the western United States. Known for their incredible leaping ability, they can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh up to 220 pounds.

They hunt primarily deer, typically living for 10 to 13 years in the wild.

Mountain lions are typically “calm, quiet and elusive,” according to the National Park Service. While attacks involving mountain lions are rare, they are possible.

“Even so, the potential for being killed or injured by a mountain lion is quite low compared to many other natural hazards,” the National Park Service said on its website. “There is a far greater risk, for example, of being killed in an automobile accident with a deer than of being attacked by a mountain lion.”

What to do if you see a mountain lion

Officials said there are some things you can do to prevent a mountain lion encounter from becoming an attack.

• Stay calm and back away slowly.
• Face the lion and stand up straight.
• Don’t approach a mountain lion, especially if it’s with kittens.
• Don’t run. It could stimulate a mountain lion’s chase instincts.
• Pick up small children so they don’t panic or run away.
• Don’t bend over or crouch down.
• Throw things at the mountain lion if it continues to move toward you.
• If the mountain lion attacks, fight back using anything around you.
• Report all sightings, encounters or attacks to local park rangers or law enforcement.

This story was originally published April 5, 2026 at 9:36 AM.