Monterey police warn of early-morning mountain lion sighting

Monterey police are warning residents that a mountain lion was spotted Friday in the area of Clay and Jefferson streets.

The big cat was spotted around 1:30 a.m. by a Monterey Police sergeant. The officer said the animal was behaving normally and ran off when a spotlight was activated.

Police advise residents of the area to be extra vigilant about keeping an eye on small children and animals, especially at dawn, dusk and during the night.

If a resident encounters a mountain lion, they should not run or approach the animal but rather, make noise, wave their arms, throw things and pick up small children. They also should call 911 to report a mountain lion sighting in the neighborhood.