Authorities tracking a mountain lion spotted in Mission Viejo Thursday

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) are searching for a juvenile mountain lion that was spotted Thursday in the area of Montanoso and Serenata.

MVAS and Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel were on scene to find and track the cat. Working with a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a perimeter and trap were set, but the animal was not captured.

CDFW and MVAS are monitoring and setting traps today in the area of the Montanoso Recreation Center at 25800 Montanoso Drive. Once the juvenile is captured, the lion will be relocated to a licensed facility for evaluation.

MVAS’ webpages contain detailed information about living with wildlife and staying safe as well as a wildlife sighting reporting link.

If you experience an aggressive encounter, call 911 immediately.  Questions can be directed to the Animal Services Center at 949-470-3045.