An Idaho pet owner let the cat out. Minutes later, a mountain lion grabbed it
Idaho Fish and Game euthanized a mountain lion near Ketchum this week after it killed a pet cat, according to a news release.
On Wednesday morning, the cat’s owner let the pet outside to a fenced backyard, the release said. But within minutes, the release said, the lion got in and grabbed the cat.
“Because the lion entered a fenced backyard of a residence and killed a pet, the decision was made to set a trap at the residence to protect the safety of area residents and their pets,” the release said.
Later Wednesday, the 70-pound female lion was trapped.
Mountain lions can see pets as prey, the release said. People should keep their pets on a leash and avoid feeding them outside. Pets may also sense the lion before people can see them, so keep an eye on your pet’s behavior, the release said.
Don’t assume fences will keep mountain lions out, the release said. Before letting a pet out, turn on any lights, make noise and make sure there’s no wildlife in your yard .
This story was originally published December 21, 2024 at 2:35 PM.
