Mountain lion in Southern California tracked through neighborhood

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (CNN, KYMA) - California wildlife officials tracked and captured a mountain lion in a Santa Monica neighborhood Friday.

A mountain lion made itself at home in a neighborhood in Santa Monica.

"All of a sudden it came around the corner from the alley and was walking half a block...was walking straight at us," said Mujon Baghai, a resident.

Residents caught their first glimpse of the feline Friday morning near 14th Street.

"As soon as it clocked us though, it got scared and went back the other direction, back into the alley," Baghai shared.

A neighbor saw the unexpected visitor lying down in the backyard peering through the bushes.

Aerial footage captured the animal running through a row of trash cans, knocking one over before bolting down an alley.

Then, another video shows a mountain lion sprinting down a sidewalk as officials work to track its movements.

"I think we all don't want the mountain lion to be here because of the safety of the kids and the people, but a lot of concern that the mountain lion won't be safely brought back to the mountains and where they live," said another resident.

State wildlife officials, local animal control, and police responded to the area. After an hours-long effort, the mountain lion was tranquilized and taken into the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

CDFW says biologists had to check the cat's health and fit it with a GPS collar before relocating it to a nearby suitable habitat.

"I'm just excited that this is all happening. This is it's great to be reminded that wild things live near you," said Jeff, another resident.

The big cat's visit drew dozens of curious residents outside, many hoping this mountain lion's trip through the city ends with a safe return to the wild.

"Hopefully, this has a good conclusion and that he gets to be back where he's more comfortable," Jeff expressed.

"Hopefully, they've successfully tranquilized it and can transport it back to the mountains," Baghai added.