TEMECULA: Mountain lion found near Macy's later dies

A mountain lion that was found near Macy's at the Temecula Promenade Mall Friday, March 6 has died, according to Public Information officer for the California Department of Fish and Game Kyle Orr.

The mountain lion, which was estimated to weigh about 125 pounds and about two-years-old, was spotted sometime around 6 a.m. near the loading dock of the department store, according to Orr.

Once officials arrived on scene, the mountain lion was tranquilized in order to move it to a safe location. The cat died sometime after being tranquilized, but it is not clear what caused the mountain lion to die, Orr said.

"Unfortunately while the animal was being transported it died," Orr said. "A necropsy will be performed on the animal to determine the cause of death. The animal was not acting aggressively."

The cause of death won't be confirmed for about a week.

Village News will update this story when more information is made available.