A resident reported seeing a mountain lion in the Copperhill area of the Santa Clarita Valley heading south down Rye Canyon at 7:15 this morning.

When deputies arrived and pursued the wild animal, it headed back into the wilderness. According to Sergeant Rich Nagler of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, Fish and Game officials won’t respond because mountain lions are common in this area.

“There are actually more bear sightings than mountain lions,” Nagler said. “For now, it seems there will be no further action as the mountain lion has returned to its environment.”

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The area where the mountain lion was spotted. Photo courtesy Ellen Como

Officials urge residents who come face-to-face with one of these wild animals to call authorities and not take actions into your own hands.