Crime & Safety

Mountain Lion Spotted in Portola Valley

A mountain lion was spotted in Portola Valley on Sunday night, San Mateo County emergency officials said.

The cat was seen in the area of Willowbrook Drive and Alpine Road at about 9:30 p.m.

Mountain lions tend to avoid contact with humans, and sightings are common in some of the Bay Area's hilly, rural neighborhoods.

However, wildlife officials advise those who live in mountain lion habitats to avoid hiking or jogging at dawn, dusk or at night when the cats are most active.

Anyone who comes across a mountain lion is advised not to run, but rather to face the animal, try to appear as large as possible, make noise and throw rocks or other objects at the cat.

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