Mountain Lion Spotted Roaming San Francisco Neighborhood Captured and Released
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — September 20, 2026

A young mountain lion was captured after wandering through a residential neighborhood in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset district, prompting police and wildlife officials to temporarily warn residents to stay indoors.

The animal was spotted Friday morning near 44th Avenue and Ulloa Street, just a short distance from the San Francisco Zoo and the Pacific coast.

Mountain Lion Seen Running Through Neighborhood
Residents reported seeing the mountain lion moving through residential streets and front yards at around 7:30 a.m.

San Francisco police and animal-control officers located the animal and kept it under observation while wildlife specialists arrived.

Authorities asked nearby residents to remain inside as crews worked to safely capture the animal.

At one point, officers attempted to tranquilize the mountain lion, but it briefly ran away before taking refuge beneath bushes near a home. A second standoff followed as officials waited for the tranquilizer to take effect.

Animal Safely Captured
The mountain lion was eventually immobilized and taken into the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Veterinarians examined the animal and estimated that it was between 2 and 3 years old. Officials found it to be in good health.

The animal was then fitted with a GPS satellite collar as part of the Santa Cruz Puma Project, allowing researchers to track its movements after its release.

Officials subsequently released the mountain lion back into the wild.

Second San Francisco Sighting in Two Weeks
The incident came less than two weeks after another mountain lion was reported in San Francisco’s Panhandle area near Golden Gate Park.

Wildlife officials have not determined whether the two sightings involved the same animal.

Mountain lions occasionally enter San Francisco from the Peninsula and surrounding natural areas. Officials have previously said that the animals are generally elusive and tend to avoid people.

The latest incident ended without reported injuries to residents or the animal.

Sources: ABC7 News, CBS News Bay Area, San Francisco Chronicle, SFGATE.