TUCSON, Ariz. — A mountain lion stayed in a tree in northeast Tucson for more than 10 hours Tuesday morning, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The animal was spotted just east of Tanque Verde and Wrightstown Roads by dozens of residents, who posted the pictures to social media early Tuesday morning.
AZGFD officials say the lion probably walked through the washes to get to the tree from the Santa Catalina Mountains -- its prime habitat.
While it is rare to see a mountain lion in the outskirts of the city, it is routine, AZGFD says. This was the fourth such sighting since December.
AZGFD warns residents not to approach or run from a mountain lion, if spotted. Instead:
- Stand and face the animal, making eye contact
- Protect small children so they won't panic
- Stay calm, speak loudly and firmly
- Try to appear larger by raising your hands or opening your jacket
- Throw branches, stones or whatever you can reach without crouching or tunring your back
- Slowly back away from the area
- Report the sighting to AZGFD
More information about mountain lions is available online from AZGFD.
