Mountain Lion Sighting in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights Triggers Lafayette Park Closure and Public Safety Advisory

What happened and where

San Francisco officials moved to restrict access to Lafayette Park in Pacific Heights after a mountain lion was recorded near the park’s perimeter over the weekend, raising concerns the animal may still be sheltering inside the 11.5-acre hillside green space bounded by Laguna, Sacramento, Gough and Washington streets.

The incident began with an early-morning sighting near the intersection of Sacramento and Gough streets, where video captured a large cat moving through the neighborhood and then scaling into the park. City staff responded by posting warning signage and stationing personnel at park entrances to advise visitors in person as officials assessed the likelihood the animal remained in the area.

City response and interagency coordination

San Francisco Animal Care and Control and park staff coordinated with state wildlife officials to evaluate the report and determine next steps. Officials emphasized that mountain lions can remain difficult to locate once they settle into cover, particularly during daylight hours, and may stay hidden for extended periods before moving again.

While the city’s immediate actions focused on limiting risk to park users, the broader objective was to allow trained wildlife personnel to monitor the situation and, if necessary, intervene safely. Officials asked residents to report any additional sightings promptly to Animal Care and Control rather than attempting to approach, follow or film the animal at close range.

Why a mountain lion could appear in the city

Mountain lion sightings inside San Francisco are uncommon but not unprecedented. Wildlife agencies have documented occasional movements through urban areas in the region, including previous incidents in and around San Francisco that required coordinated monitoring and, in at least one earlier case, capture and relocation. Biologists generally note that dispersing young animals can travel significant distances while searching for territory, sometimes crossing major road networks and developed neighborhoods.

Public guidance for residents and park users

Officials urged the public to treat any potential encounter as a safety issue, particularly for children and pets. Standard guidance for mountain lion encounters includes maintaining distance and avoiding actions that can trigger pursuit behavior.

• Do not run; stand your ground and maintain eye contact.
• Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and speaking firmly and loudly.
• Back away slowly and give the animal a clear escape route.
• Keep pets leashed and close; pick up small children without crouching if possible.
• If attacked, fight back with any available object while protecting the head and neck.

Officials asked anyone who sees the animal to contact San Francisco Animal Care and Control immediately.

What happens next

City and wildlife officials are expected to continue monitoring until the animal is confirmed to have left the area or is located and managed. In the interim, residents near Lafayette Park were advised to remain alert during low-light hours and to follow posted park restrictions and on-site instructions.