Mountain Lion Spotted in Whiting Ranch

A large mountain lion reportedly jumped out in front of a cyclist riding in Whiting Ranch on Sunday, according to the Lake Forest police blotter.

The bicyclist, who was near Serrano Cow Trial and Dreaded Hill, stopped in his tracks and backed away until he was out of sight of the animal.

He called the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 7:59 p.m. to report the cat's presence, according to police.

Deputies responded to the area to look for the cat, as did park rangers. 

A sheriff's helicopter also joined in the search, hovering above Whiting Ranch, but searchers were unable to locate the cat.

"To date, there has been no further sighting of the animal," said Lt. Pat Higa, chief of Lake Forest Police Services.