Mountain Lion Grabs Pet Dog From Near Hot Springs, Warnings Issued

In a horrific incident, a pet dog was mauled and dragged away by a mountain lion near east of Carey, Idaho.

Following the attack Thursday at Wild Rose Natural Hot Springs, which is on a private property, warnings were issued by the state's Department of Fish and Game for families living with pets in the area.

The department said Friday it was the first reported mountain lion attack on a pet animal this fall in Blaine County.

“While in the hot springs with their small dogs nearby, a mountain lion grabbed a family dog … which was not found,” the department said in a press release.

While warning people about keeping their pets safe, the department said the animals must be kept on leash and families should watch their behavior as they may sense the lions before they get close. The department also urged families not to feed their pets outside the house or leave food as it could attract other wildlife that lions prey upon.

Homeowners must ensure the yard is clear of wildlife before letting pets outside, and, if possible, they must accompany the animals.

“Mountain lions are typically shy animals and avoid people, but they have been known to be attracted by small animals or pets that they perceive as potential prey,” the Department of Fish and Game stated.

The department also asked people, who end up in close proximity to a lion, to not run away or turn their back on the animal, but slowly back away while maintaining eye contact with it.

Earlier this year, a six-year-old girl was viciously attacked by a mountain lion while walking in a California park. The victim was with her parents in a group of six adults and four children when a huge mountain lion came out of the bushes and attacked the girl. A nearby adult punched the mountain lion in the ribs while the others made loud noises and scared the predator away.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, the mountain lion — also known as the cougar, puma, panther, or catamount — are native to the Americas. They are large, tan cats with males weighing between 115 and 220 pounds and females weighing between 64 and 141 pounds.