Mountain lion captured

Wildlife officials tranquilized and captured a mountain lion that was in a tree in Boulder County. The visit from the big cat forced the lockdown of Flatiron Elementary School. (Jim Hooley / January 6, 2010)

BOULDER - A mountain lion forced a lockdown at an elementary school in Boulder County, and a resident got close enough to videotape the big cat's capture.

It happened Wednesday near Flatiron Elementary School.

Wildlife officials tranquilized the male mountain lion while it sat in a tree. Video of the incident shows the animal as it fell to the ground onto a tarp.

The wildlife experts then hoisted the cougar up into a vehicle, and drove him to another location about 50 miles away.

Jim Hooley of Boulder shot the video of the animal that caused the scare.

More information and tips: Living with Wildlife in Mountain Lion Country