School Custodian Corrals Big Cat

It was a typical day for a California high school custodian, dealing with trash, restrooms, a mountain lion—OK, maybe it wasn’t a typical day.

The custodian was opening Pescadero High School in Pescadero, California, one morning last week when he saw a mountain lion inside the school, Associated Press reported. There were no students or teachers on the campus at the time.

When the lion entered an empty classroom, the custodian quickly shut the door and contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Workers with the service humanely removed the big cat and returned it to its natural habitat.

Local police praised the custodian for acting quickly. They said the mountain lion, a juvenile weighing about 40 pounds, appeared confused and afraid.

Fortunately, mountain lions are among the least common animal “pests” found in facilities. Learn how to safely protect your building from smaller, less dangerous species.