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Schools

Mountain Lion Sighting at Portola Valley School

Big cat seen at the back fence of elementary school this morning.

A mountain lion was spotted on Wednesday in the vicinity of Alpine Road and Corte Madera Rd. near the back fence of Corte Madera School, according to an alert sent today to subscribers of the San Mateo County Alert System.

The big cat was seen at approximately 11 a.m., according to the alert sent via email and text message from Jeff Norris.

The message dispensed the following advice:

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If you see a mountain lion DO NOT APPROACH IT, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation.

Here are a few tips:

Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.

Keep a close watch on small children.

If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.

Pick up small children.

For more information about mountain lions click here.

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