SAN CARLOS (BCN) - A mountain lion was spotted Friday afternoon in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County in a San Carlos canyon near the Belmont border, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office reported.

The mountain lion was seen about 1:15 p.m. in the 400 block of Winding Way in the Devonshire Canyon area of the city, the office said in a statement.

Responding deputies found the mountain lion walking near a canyon fire trail near the end of the street, which is within the big cat’s natural habitat, the statement said.

The sheriff’s office advised county residents that if they see a mountain lion they should not approach it, especially if it is feeding or is with its young. Most mountain lions will aim to avoid confronting humans, the statement said.

The sheriff’s office suggested residents that live near mountain lion habitats avoid risky situations by keeping a close eye on children and aim not to go hiking or jogging at dawn, dusk and night, which is when the lions are most active.

In the event of a mountain lion encounter, the statement said the person should not run, but instead face the animal and attempt to intimidate it by making noise, trying to look bigger by raising and waving their arms, and throw rocks or other objects at the beast.

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