A mountain lion Wednesday left a spot in Pacific Grove it appeared to be using to rest — without intervention from state authorities.

The mountain lion was found near the 400-block of Lighthouse Avenue about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. The Pacific Grove Police Department initially responded and found the mountain lion “resting peacefully” near Berwick Park on 11th Street and Ocean View Boulevard.

According to police, wildlife officials advised them to keep an eye on the mountain lion, but to let it be for the time being.

“We immediately contacted Fish and Game, and their biologist advised us that the best course of action would be to let the mountain lion stay where it is, and to let it rest because it was sunny out and they don’t like to be too warm,” said acting Chief Brian Anderson. “They said wait until the evening hours and more than likely the mountain lion will leave the area and go back to its normal stomping grounds.”

Police decided to wait the mountain lion out and let it continue to rest. Anderson said they gave it 24 hours to return home on its own, or they would have to call the biologist back to have it tranquilized.

“Thankfully, it didn’t come to that,” Anderson said. “Just after 6 p.m. the mountain lion left on its own and didn’t return.”

Police have deemed the area safe as of Thursday morning.