Brave rescuers tranquilize a mountain lion that became trapped 50ft up a tree then lower it to safety before it was released back into the wild in California Mountain lion was spotted perched up a tree in a yard in the California desert Shocked homeowner was doing some gardening when the big cat was noticed Firefighters had to tranquilize huge animal and lower it from 50ft high branches A biologist ran check-ups on the cougar before it was released back into the wild By Chris Dyer For Mailonline and Associated Press Published: 08:39 GMT, 18 February 2019 | Updated: 08:39 GMT, 18 February 2019 Viewcomments A mountain lion had to be rescued after it got stuck up a tree outside a house in California. The big cat was spotted outside the home in the Southern California desert by the shocked resident on Saturday. Firefighters rescued the huge animal from the branches after the worried homeowner, who was working in their yard at the time. The authorities called to the scene in Hesperia near the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains at around 4.20pm. The huge mountain lion was seen resting in a tree in the back yard on the edge of the San Bernardino mountains Rescuers had to climb 50ft up the tree and lower the cougar from the branches after tranquilizing the wild animal San Bernardino County firefighters found the large mountain lion perched on a branch about 50 feet (15 meters) high. State wildlife personnel tranquilized the animal and firefighters lowered it to the ground using a rescue harness. A biologist evaluated the cougar before it was released back into the wild. State Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Rick Fischer said it is not uncommon for mountain lions to wander outside their habitat in the nearby mountains. He added: 'Leaving the lion in the tree would not have been safe for the community. The puma had to be tranquilized then lowered 50ft with a harness. It was then given medical checks before being released back in to the wild 'Once the lion regained consciousness we ensured he safely returned to his suitable habitat.' Kevin Brennan, a biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said: 'It is common for young mountain lions to wander outside what some would consider normal habitat in an attempt to establish their territory.' Attacks on humans are rare but the big cats will prey on pets and livestock. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility