The size difference between a cat and a mountain lion is quite different, which is why many were left puzzled over a police department’s blunder. Police in California confused a resident’s security camera photo of what they initially said was a mountain lion but later confirmed the animal was just a “big cat.”
The South San Francisco Police Department wrote on Facebook that the photo captured by a resident’s Ring camera depicted a mountain lion walking along a fence.
“Officers conducted an area check, but were unable to locate this furry guy and there were no additional sightings,” the post read. “We’d like to remind our residents to avoid mountain lions, even at a distance a brief glimpse should be cause for alarm.”
Police later edited the post after they realized the mistake they made. The animal in the picture was actually a particularly large domestic cat and not a mountain lion like they originally thought.
“We were able to confirm the Big Cat was not a mountain lion,” police said. “Out of an abundance of caution we wanted to share some tips on what to do if you do encounter one of these guys, or any wildlife, in your neighborhood. We are happy to report there is no potential threat for the neighborhood.”
Source: https://www.facebook.com/SouthSanFranciscoPoliceDepartment/posts/718605213785040