Young Mountain Lion Spotted Roaming San Francisco Streets

Officials working to safely relocate the lost big cat after it shocks residents

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:07pm by Ben Kaplan

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A young mountain lion, estimated to be around a year old, was spotted roaming neighborhoods in San Francisco. City officials and wildlife crews are now working to safely locate and relocate the animal, which is believed to have become disoriented while searching for new territory. No injuries have been reported, and authorities are urging residents to avoid approaching the mountain lion and to contact officials immediately if it is sighted.

Why it matters

Mountain lion sightings in urban areas are relatively rare, but can cause concern among residents, especially when the animal appears lost or disoriented. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety while also working to humanely relocate the mountain lion back to its natural habitat.

The details

The mountain lion was first spotted on the night of Sunday, January 25th, in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Experts believe the animal is around a year old, an age when mountain lions typically disperse from their birthplace in search of new territory. Officials say the mountain lion likely became disoriented while attempting to move south and out of the city. On the morning of January 27th, San Francisco Animal Care & Control confirmed the location of the large feline and reported they were working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine the next steps.

  • The mountain lion was first spotted on the night of Sunday, January 25, 2026.
  • On the morning of January 27, 2026, San Francisco Animal Care & Control confirmed the location of the mountain lion.

The players

San Francisco Animal Care & Control

The agency responsible for managing the situation and working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to safely relocate the mountain lion.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency collaborating with San Francisco Animal Care & Control to determine the next steps for the mountain lion.

Manuel Cases

A San Francisco resident who expressed fascination but also caution about the mountain lion sighting.

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What they’re saying

“We love to see things like this, like so much wildlife in the city. But a little bit concerned because, you know, little puppies. So we are not coming in until we know everything is safe.”

— Manuel Cases, San Francisco resident (ABC News 7)

“We locked eyes when I looked up and saw it. He looked as scared as me. I backed away to safety back into the garage with my dog. I think he is not aggressive since he hasn't attacked anyone and had more than an opportunity tonight.”

— Anonymous (Animal Care & Control's Instagram)

What’s next

Officials are working to safely locate and relocate the mountain lion back to its natural habitat outside of the city.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for vigilance and caution when wild animals are spotted in urban areas. While mountain lion sightings are rare, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety while also working to humanely relocate the animal.