Editor’s Note: This story has been changed from its original version to reflect the exact location where this incident occurred in Teton County, Idaho. Officials encountered the animal at a home near Tetonia, not Victor. Buckrail has updated the story to reflect the accurate location.
TETONIA, Idaho — A mountain lion was shot at a home near Tetonia on Monday after it killed the family’s dog and was deemed a public safety concern.
The family first called Teton County Sheriff’s Office who referred them to Idaho State Police (ISP). ISP sent a resident deputy in the area to the home
“Fish and Game was a distance out, and they determined the cat was a safety issue and that it would have to be put down. At that point, we took action,” said Lt. Marvin Crain with ISP.
The mountain lion was underneath the porch at their home, and kept the family captive inside. The homeowners reported they did not feel safe. ISP ended up having to shoot the mountain lion. There were no other injuries.
According to Idaho Department of Fish and Game spokesman James Brower, the mountain lion was a yearling, older than one year and was a female
“Our hearts go out to the family who lost their dog,” said Brower
Although mountain lion sightings are rare, the severe winter has pushed animals into lower elevations to search for easy meals and predators. For tips on what to do when encountering a mountain lion click here.
