In a tragic turn of events, a mountain lion believed to be the same one seen roaming through downtown Oceanside earlier this week has been found dead. The majestic animal had captured the attention of locals after it was caught on surveillance footage wandering through a parking garage and plaza area on Tuesday.

According to the San Diego Humane Society, they received word from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on Saturday morning that a mountain lion had been struck by a vehicle in Oceanside the previous night. The collision occurred around 7:25 p.m. in the vicinity of North River Road and Wilshire Road. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and only one vehicle was involved.

In a statement, a representative from the humane society confirmed the unfortunate news, saying, "Unfortunately, it was deceased by the time the police arrived. CDFW suspects it's the Oceanside cat that we've been following." The exact identity of the mountain lion has not been definitively confirmed, but the Mountain Lion Foundation explained that these creatures tend to linger or repeatedly return to urban areas.

The presence of a mountain lion strolling through the downtown area had caused some concern among residents and business owners. A janitor at the downtown Regal Cinemas even reported spotting the animal peering through the glass doors of the building after hours. The captivating sighting was captured on surveillance footage, sparking discussion and curiosity within the community.

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are known to adapt to various environments, including urban areas. However, their encounters with humans can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. In this case, the fatal collision with a vehicle has brought an unfortunate end to the mountain lion's journey.

The local authorities and wildlife experts will continue to monitor the situation and study any potential patterns or habits of these magnificent creatures as they navigate human-populated areas. The loss of this mountain lion serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between man and wildlife and the importance of taking precautions to ensure their coexistence.