Police in San Bruno, Calif., believe that a mountain lion, or cougar, broke windows to enter a home early Tuesday after spotting a hunter’s trophy mounts gazing blankly from the walls.
In a news release the San Bruno Police Department stated: “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 was scared off by the homeowner and nobody inside the house was injured.
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The incident occurred at 12:20 a.m. Police said that the cougar could not be located during an “extensive area check.”
Mountain lion sightings in San Bruno are uncommon so police reached out to the California Department of Wildlife for tips that all homeowners might find useful:
–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 unpredictable.
–Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. Do not hike, bike or jog at dawn, dusk, or night.
–Stay alert on trails. Keep a close watch on small children and off-leash pets.
–Never approach a mountain lion. 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.
*Cougar image is generic
