According to the San Mateo Police Department, a mountain lion was seen Tuesday night about 9 p.m. in the 200 block of 42nd Ave in San Mateo.

The witness, who saw the cat in his back yard, made himself large and made noise, causing the mountain lion to leave the yard in a southerly direction. The Department of Fish & Game and Belmont Police were notified.

Police have these suggestions if you should be confronted by a wild animal like this:

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 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, the California Department of Fish and Game maintain a website called KeepMeWild.