SAN DIEGO — A mountain lion has been confirmed dead after it was hit and killed by a vehicle on Friday around 7:25 p.m., according to Oceanside Police. However, it is unknown if this is the same mountain lion that caused a stir on social media recently.
The mountain lion was walking along North River Road in a remote area of Oceanside east of Wilshire Road halfway between Fallbrook when it was struck by a vehicle.
Fish and Wildlife responded and took possession of the animal remains. They are working to determine if this is the same mountain lion that was seen outside the Oceanside Civic Center and Regal Cinemas Theater on Thursday night.
CBS 8 spoke with Tim Daly at Fish and Wildlife to ask if it was possible to determine if this is the same animal. He responded by saying without a way to positively identify the animal, it is very difficult if not impossible to confirm this is the same mountain lion. However, Daly did not rule out the possibility of it being the same animal.
CBS 8 reached out to Oceanside Police and spoke with Tom Bussey. He thinks that this might be the same cat that was seen prowling around Oceanside as it was mere blocks from the original photos and videos.
Bussey said that mountain lions are known to roam into the area from the east or near Camp Pendleton, searching for food or water.
Here are a list of tips to remember if you see a mountain lion:
- Do not run.
- Protect your pets and small kids because they are most at risk.
- Keep your pets on leash and indoors if possible. If not, put them in an enclosure or shelter at night.
- Keep barnyard animals fully enclosed from dusk until dawn.
- Don't feed wildlife like deer, raccoons or feral cats because they attract hungry mountain lions.
- Don’t approach or feed the wildlife. Give it space and respect.
What you need to know if you’re out hiking:
- Stay out of the wildlife habitats during low light.
- Keep pets on a leash and within 6 feet.
- Don't run. Face the animal, make noise and make yourself look bigger, then walk away.