Is wildlife sighting more common in SF now? Experts explain after mountain lion incident

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The mountain lion that was roaming the streets of San Francisco has been released back into the wild.

Before its release in the Santa Cruz mountains, several people like nurse Lindsey Ann Cummings, had encounters with the animal.

“He was in position to attack. I mean when we saw him, when I locked eyes with him, he was as far as I am from you,” said Cummings.

Cummings says she was visiting a patient Monday night when she had the shocking experience.

VIDEO: Mountain lion captured in SF neighborhood has long history of encounters with biologists

“I was worried it was going to follow us back into the garage or go up the stairs and hurt my patient. There were so many possibilities that could’ve happened,” she said.

Biologists say having a mountain lion come all the way to San Francisco is unusual.

“Looking at the map I really didn’t see any way he got in there without going through the actual streets, which is pretty surprising to me,” said Richie King.

But mountain lions aren’t the only wildlife in the city. Coyotes are also a familiar sight.

Urban wildlife ecologist Tali Caspi says while it may seem like the coyote population is growing in the city, it’s actually relatively stable.

Caspi tells us what’s changing instead is people’s awareness of them.

“I also think just a lot more growth in public understanding of these animals. People are sharing resources with one another. People are learning a lot more about them and are more aware of them. And so that can create that perception we’re seeing them a lot more,” she said.

Caspi says that growing familiarity between coyotes and people isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

But she still urges caution if you see one face-to-face.

“Where this behavior becomes potentially dangerous or can lead to conflict or nuisance is- actively approaching or coming up to them and looking for food,” said Caspi.

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