Authorities are investigating whether a mountain lion killed in a collision with a car on Friday, March 8, is the same animal spotted in parts of Oceanside over the past several days.
The collision occurred at about 7:25 p.m. Friday in the area of North River and Wilshire roads, the Oceanside Police Department reported. The vehicle’s driver was not injured, but the mountain lion died.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is examining the animal, authorities said.
Oceanside residents had reported sightings of a mountain lion in areas of the city over several days leading up to the collision. City police stated in an update Saturday that it was unclear whether the mountain lion killed was the one seen in the area, however.
A mountain lion had been seen along the 200 and 300 blocks of North Coast Highway, the 1100 block of South Coast Highway, and along State Route 76 at Rancho Del Oro.
The Oceanside Police Department encourages residents to call 760-435-4911 in the event of another sighting and advises people not to engage the animals. If a mountain lion is aggressive, hostile, or seen near a school or park, police recommend calling 911.