SAN BERNARDINO, Ca. — Wildlife crews in California helped rescue a mountain lion who was stranded in a tree over the weekend.
According to a Facebook post from San Bernardino County Fire, a homeowner discovered the animal while working in the backyard and immediately called authorities for help.
Crews say the mountain lion was 50 feet above ground. "The area was secured from the general public and a strategy was developed to extract the lion safely, which involved Fish & Wildlife personnel tranquilizing the animal," San Bernardino County Fire said.
After being tranquilized, firefighters secured the animal into a rescue harness and lowered it safely to the ground.
“It is common for young mountain lions to wander outside what some would consider normal habitat in an attempt to establish their territory,” says Fish & Wildlife biologist Kevin Brennan.
Officials say the mountain lion has since been safely returned to his suitable habitat.
