Mountain lion killed in car crash in Oceanside, California

A cougar, which is also known as a mountain lion, was fatally struck by a car in Oceanside California just days after it was spotted strolling around the city, NBC reported.

The animal passed away on the spot.

The San Diego Humane Society's spokesperson Jordan Frey has confirmed the news, saying, "According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this animal was a younger male lion, likely a disperser."

He added, "It's difficult to say if it is the same lion that was being reported in the area this week, as this is the time of year when young mountain lions will start to disperse and seek territory of their own."

Oceanside, home to 172,000 people, is known for its serene beaches.

Last week, a mountain lion had been sighted several times, following which an alert was issued for people to be aware of the animal.

According to Andy Blue, the campus director at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Centre, the wildcats have always been present but only now are they being noticed due to increased CCTV cameras around the city.

He said, "They've probably been in these areas all along, and we just never were aware of it until you're seeing it on your camera in the middle of the night."