The Turlock Police Department is actively searching for a mountain lion that has been spotted in northeast Turlock.

Initial reports were received around 5:30 p.m. at the 1200 block of Berkeley Avenue, near Arbor Way.

Officers responded to the area and did spot the mountain lion, which has been described as a “mature lion,” said Turlock police spokesperson Sgt. Victor Barcelos.

The Turlock Police Department sent a message to the surrounding neighborhood warning of the mountain lion and urging residents to remain in their homes.

Many residents in the area were out and walking the neighborhoods as of 8 p.m.

Officers began to setup a perimeter in the area, as far as California Avenue and Peacock Drive, with some officers being seeing with rifles.

Citizens in the area of Anning Drive and Johnson Road were told by officers to remain in their homes for a brief period, as the mountain lion had been seen in the area.

Each time officers located the mountain lion, it ran away quickly and officers lost sight of it.

The Turlock Police Department is advising citizens to remain safe and use caution in the area. Also, citizens should bring any pets inside, said Barcelos.

The California Fish and Wildlife have arrived on scene. Barcelos said the City of Turlock Animal Services contacted Fish and Wildlife, as well as other resources, to find a humane resolution.

“We understand the cats are not here to harm anybody, but we understand they are a wild animal and we have to treat them with precaution,” said Barcelos.

As of 8 p.m., officers were still searching in the area, however Barcelos said the dark would play a role in determining if Turlock police would remain in the area.

“We are just as susceptible to being attacked as anyone else is,” said Barcelos.