Call it a larger-than-life cat burglar.
Police were called to a home in Sonora, California late on the night of Sept. 15 for a reported break-in, but arrived only to find a mountain lion locked in a bathroom.
Edward and Kathy Sudduth told local Fox News the big cat was chases a neighbourhood pussy cat when it wound up in their home.
“We were just watching television and then all of a sudden, we heard a big bang,” Edward told Fox40.
The mountain lion even ran into Kathy, who was shocked by what was happening: “We thought it was a dog,” she said.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff along with Fish and Wildlife devised a plan to shoo out the wayward cat. A window was broken. Then they made some noise. Eventually the mountain lion jumped out to freedom.
“‘Fish and Wildlife were contacted and assisted our deputies in coaxing the mountain lion out of the second story bathroom window,” police said. “He did get a stern warning about the break-in before being released.”
Police reminded residents in cougar country to keep their doors locked and if they do encounter a wild cat, to make noise, keep eye contact, don’t run away and fight back if attacked.
Photo Tuolomne County Sheriff/Facebook