BOISE, Idaho — Twin Falls residents reported seeing a mountain lion wandering through neighborhoods during the week of March 25, which has prompted the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) to provide tips to stay safe.
On Thursday, IDFG stated in a news release they received reports of the animal from neighborhoods around Carriage Lane and Addison Avenue, and recent reports near Cascade Park and Stadium Drive.
IDFG said no confirmed sighting of the animal and no attacks had been reported.
If you have spotted a dangerous animal call the Idaho Fish and Game at (208) 324-4359.
IDFG officials provided a list of tips on staying safe.
Personal Safety
Wildlife managers agree that if a person is near a lion, meaning they see it, they should:
- NEVER run away from a mountain lion. The lion’s instinct is to chase and ultimately catch what they perceive as potential prey.
- NEVER turn your back on a lion. Always face them while making yourself look as large as you can. Yell loudly, but don’t scream. A high-pitched scream may mimic the sound of a wounded animal.
- SLOWLY back away while maintaining eye contact with the lion.
- Safety equipment you may choose to carry could include bear spray, a noise device, like an air-horn, and if you walk in the dark, a very bright flashlight.
- If you are attacked, fight back!
Pet safety
Mountain lions are opportunistic predators, meaning they don’t know when their next meal will happen, and will often attempt to take prey when it presents itself. A lion may perceive a pet as prey. To keep pets safe, owners are strongly encouraged to follow these safety tips:
- Keep your pets on a leash.
- Watch the pets’ behavior, since they may sense the lion before you can see them.
- Do not feed your pet outside or leave their food dishes outside. The mountain lion will not typically be attracted by the food, but the food could attract other wildlife that could be looked at as prey by a lion.
- Before letting your pet outside, turn on lights, make noise and look to ensure the yard is clear of wildlife. Do not assume that a privacy fence will exclude a mountain lion from your yard.
- Accompany your pet outside if possible.
Homeowner safety
By nature, mountain lions are shy and will make every effort to avoid contact with humans. Homeowners can do several things to make it less likely that a mountain lion would pass through or live near their homes and neighborhoods. These include:
- When leaving your house, be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for signs of wildlife near your house.
- Do not leave your household garbage outside and unsecured. As with pet food, the garbage will not typically attract a mountain lion, but it might attract a domestic pet that could be considered prey by a lion.
- Ensure that a lion cannot get under your patio or deck. Secure all sheds – do not leave doors or windows open. These spaces can be a perfect location for a daybed.
- Place covers over window-wells which can also be a place for a lion to use as a daybed.
- Install motion-sensor lights which may discourage wildlife from staying in your yard. Lights can be directed to minimize impact on your neighbors.
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