Mountain Lion Stuck in Tree in Tustin Neighborhood
A mountain lion stuck in a tree at a Tustin home made for a unique call to Orange County police, fire, and wildlife agencies on Monday, November 18.
The Incident
The mountain lion was captured and eventually relocated to a remote forest area after a family noticed their dog had chased a "cat" up a tree, the Tustin Police Department said. The "cat," actually a young male mountain lion, was tranquilized, cared for, and prepared for transport away from the Irvine Boulevard and Holt Avenue area home by police, fire crews, and biologists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Response
Wildlife officers, police, and fire crews teamed up to tranquilize the mountain lion and relocate it to the Cleveland National Forest. The lion was taken to a processing center and then safely returned to the wild in the Cleveland National Forest, in an area further away from people and homes, police said on social media.
Video and Photos
Video posted by the OCFA showed personnel hauling the lion from the tree area and preparing it for relocation. Photos courtesy of the Tustin Police Department showed the lion being captured and relocated.
Mountain Lion Protocol
Mountain lions are designated as a specially protected species in California, and those that are recognized as "no harm no foul" animals that do not pose a threat are induced back to, or returned to, their "nearest suitable habitat" by CDFW personnel as protocol.
Sightings and Encounters
Sightings of the cougars, and encounters with them, are nothing new in Southern California. In 2022, one traveled into a retail area of Irvine, darted past a hair salon, and eventually was captured in a building. Lions were euthanized after attacking children this fall in Calabasas and in 2020 in Lake Forest.
Acknowledgments
The Tustin Police Department thanked the CDFW, Mission Viejo Animal Services, OC Animal Care, and the Orange County Fire Authority for their parts in facilitating the capture, removal, and safe release of the mountain lion.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder to respect wildlife and give them their space. When encountering wildlife, it is essential to call the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the mountain lion?
A: The mountain lion was stuck in a tree at a Tustin home and was captured and relocated to a remote forest area.
Q: Who was involved in the capture and relocation?
A: Police, fire crews, and biologists from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were involved in the capture and relocation.
Q: What is the protocol for dealing with mountain lions in California?
A: Mountain lions are designated as a specially protected species in California, and those that are recognized as "no harm no foul" animals that do not pose a threat are induced back to, or returned to, their "nearest suitable habitat" by CDFW personnel as protocol.
Q: Have there been any recent sightings or encounters with mountain lions in Southern California?
A: Yes, sightings of the cougars, and encounters with them, are nothing new in Southern California.
