S.F. Mountain Lion Safely Returned to Wild After 30 Hours

A two-year-old mountain lion that spent 30 hours exploring San Francisco streets is heading back to the wild, safe and sound.

The young male, known to researchers as 157M, was tranquilized Tuesday morning after hiding in a gated area between two Pacific Heights apartment buildings. Officials from California Fish and Wildlife, San Francisco Animal Care and Control, and the San Francisco Zoo worked together to ensure the 77-pound cat wasn't harmed during the capture.

The drama began early Monday when resident Roxanne Blank made eye contact with the lion on apartment steps near Vallejo and Franklin streets. For five minutes, they stared at each other before the cat casually walked away, leaving 2-foot scratch marks in the cement.

By Tuesday morning, the lion had taken shelter in a narrow 30-foot-wide space filled with trees and brush. Officials waited patiently for the best moment to act, and a nearby private school closed as a precaution.

The tranquilizing process took longer than expected because of the tight space. After several doses and careful waiting, officials covered the sedated lion's eyes and secured his paws before loading him into a transport cage.

Dr. Adrian Mutlow, chief veterinarian at the San Francisco Zoo, and hospital manager Molly Potter examined the animal to ensure he was healthy. The cat passed his checkup with flying colors.

The Bright Side

This rescue showcases how much wildlife management has improved. Born in Santa Clara County, 157M had been tracked by the Santa Cruz Puma Project until his collar fell off, which is why researchers couldn't prevent his urban adventure.

Now he's getting a new tracking collar before returning to Peninsula wild space. Officials plan to release him in an area without other male mountain lions to reduce territorial conflicts and give him the best chance to thrive.

The careful coordination between multiple agencies meant no one got hurt, not the lion, not residents, and not responders. Even Roxanne Blank, who stood outside her car watching the predator for five minutes, walked away with an amazing story instead of an emergency.

As cities expand into wildlife territory, these encounters will likely increase. But Tuesday's operation proves humans and mountain lions can coexist when everyone works together with patience and respect for nature.

Young 157M is heading home to where he belongs, a little wiser about city limits.