KETCHUM, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), is warning Ketchum residents that two younger mountain lions have been roaming through neighborhoods and getting very close to houses. IDFG said they have had 17 calls this year about mountain lions in the Magic Valley Region, with most calls coming from Ketchum and Hailey. The department is reminding people to remain vigilant and report sightings.
"Conservation officers can only respond and investigate reports of mountain lions in and around Wood River Valley communities and neighborhoods if reports are made by residents. It is crucial that residents continue to report mountain lion sightings, as well as any encounters or missing pets," a news release stated.
According to IDFG, the two younger mountain lions people have been reported in west and north Ketchum, are around 1 to 2 years old and may be siblings. Although there have not been reports of attacks on pets or livestock, the animals have been spotted in the day and nighttime.
People can report sightings, missing pets or any mountain lion encounter to the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.
IDFG recommends people do the following if they encounter a mountain lion:
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 bright flashlight.
If you are attacked, fight back
Remember to use all your senses to detect if a mountain lion is nearby. Using a light to help you see your surroundings is very important, both in your yard, and as you walk in your neighborhood. If you run or bike for personal fitness, use caution when wearing headphones which take away your ability to hear if a lion, or any other wildlife, that could be giving you signals that you’re too close.
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 pet 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 the 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
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.
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