A mountain lion was killed in the eastern area of Lockwood in response to a call to law enforcement after a homeowner spotted the animal in a tree. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks dispatched the young male mountain lion at the scene. “It’s an unfortunate event when we have to lethally remove wildlife in urban areas. But if an animal is a threat, human safety is our first priority ,” said Warden Captain Harold Guse, who killed the mountain lion. The sub-adult male mountain lion was likely dispersing in search of a new home range, Guse said. Tranquilizing and relocating mountain lions has proven not to be an effective option. Home ranges are extensive and a cat will likely be unsuccessful relocating in another cat’s home range. The mountain lion was shot as opposed to being drugged and removed to avoid the potential for escape. Guse assessed the scene as being safe for dispatch on site. There are a number of things that residents can do to discourage wild animals, including mountain lions, from exploring their property. Actions include: Landscape or remove vegetation that could provide hiding places for animals. Remove enough so that wildlife cannot enter your yard undetected. Do not attract wildlife by feeding or salting them. Attracting deer could attract mountain lions that prey on these animals. Store pet and livestock food indoors. More information on how to avoid encounters with a mountain lion or other wildlife is available at fwp.mt.gov under “Wild Things” then “Living with Wildlife.” FWP encourages people to call the regional office to report first-hand information on an animal sighting, (406) 247-2940. Officials can respond quicker to these reports rather than first validating second-hand information or hearsay before taking action.
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