PLEASANT GROVE — A Utah County family woke up Friday morning to find a mountain lion in their backyard.

Around 7 a.m., police received a call from a Pleasant Grove resident who lives in the mountain foothills near 250 North and 1400 East and was concerned about a cougar being close to their house. By the time the officer arrived, the big cat had disappeared into the trees.

Pleasant Grove Sgt. Carl Nielson said wildlife occasionally ends up in people's backyards, whether it's a mountain lion, moose, deer or elk. If this happens, residents should stay in their house and call police, Nielson said.

"Don't run out and try to take pictures," he said.

An officer who responded to the call said the family wasn't too worried about the unexpected visitor. He told the family to let police know if the cougar comes out again. Unless the mountain lion becomes aggressive or continues to come onto people's property, officials won't try to capture it, he said.

— Sara Lenz