Belmont police and state Department of Fish and Game officials believe a dead deer found on the Ralston Middle School campus was killed by a mountain lion, police said.

The carcass was found at the school, located at 2675 Ralston Ave., at about 11 a.m. on a field used daily by students during physical education, according to Belmont police.

Fish and Game officials responded to the scene and believe the deer was killed overnight by a mountain lion and her cub.

The carcass has been removed from school grounds.

Police are reminding residents not to feed deer because the presence of the animals increases the likelihood of mountain lions.

Residents who encounter a mountain lion should notify police immediately and avoid approaching the wild animal.