A MOUNTAIN lion had to be rescued after it got stuck up a tree outside a house in California, the U.S.

The big cat was spotted outside the home in the Southern California desert by the shocked resident Saturday.

Firefighters rescued the huge animal from the branches for the worried homeowner, who was working in the yard at the time.

The authorities called to the scene in Hesperia near the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains at around 4:20 p.m.

San Bernardino County firefighters found the large mountain lion perched on a branch about 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.

“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.” (SD-Agencies)