Mountain lion wanders into California high school classroom

by: John Ferrannini, Nexstar Media Wire

Posted: Jun 1, 2022 / 08:31 PM CDT

Up-to-date: Jun 1, 2022 / 08:31 PM CDT

PESCADERO, Calif. (KRON) — A fast-pondering custodian safely confined a curious cougar in an vacant classroom soon after it entered a Northern California higher faculty Wednesday morning, authorities explained.

“The mountain lion casually walked through campus and made the decision to go into an English classroom,” mentioned Detective Javier Acosta with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office environment. “The custodian acted rapidly and managed to shut the door driving it.”

The sheriff’s workplace shared a photo of the significant cat curled up within Pescadero Higher College.

The superintendent of the college district said the mountain lion, which has been described as a cub, most likely entered the classroom ahead of college begun and there have been no pupils in the classroom at the time.

The sheriff’s place of work confirmed Wednesday early morning that all students and team had been secure, adding that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Company have been notified for a “safe and humane elimination.”

Acosta explained the animal is estimated to be somewhere around 40 lbs and appeared “lost and terrified.”

The incident occurred two times prior to the school 12 months was scheduled to close. Finals and a graduation ceremony were originally scheduled for Wednesday. The two will now probably be postponed.

A spokesperson for the California Section of Fish and Wildlife advised Nexstar’s KRON that because of the cub’s age and mainly because it is potentially not in the greatest state of wellness, the company doesn’t know whether or not it can endure in the wild.

Authorities stated Wednesday the cat would be transported to the Oakland Zoo, in which veterinarians will assess its wellness and then choose correct future methods.

The Connected Press contributed to this report.