SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS -- Local and state wildlife experts were cautiously searching the wooded areas near two Santa Cruz mountain schools Friday, looking for a mountain lion that had been stricken by car on a nearby roadway.

Authorities said a motorist reported hitting the lion at around 7:30 a.m. on Summit Road. The cat got up after being struck and ran into the wilderness area. The extent of its injuries was not known.

Officials alerted administrators at both Loma Prieta Elementary and C.T. English Middle School, but the facilities were only on alert and had not been locked down.

People who see a mountain lion are encouraged to stay still and not run, allowing the animal to leave the area, and report the sighting to the police.

Authorities suggested residents avoid hiking or jogging alone in parklands or rural areas and keep close watch on small children in areas where lions have been encountered.

While mountain lions typically avoid people, experts say a person attacked by a lion should fight back, as the cats prefer easy prey.