The Idaho Department of Fish & Game is offering safety tips to Twin Falls residents in the wake of reported mountain lion sightings over the last week.
The last report came at about 7 a.m. Thursday when a resident living near Cascade Park off Stadium Boulevard in Twin Falls said she heard what she described as a loud catfight, and then as she was preparing to go to work, her dog refused to go outside, said Terry Thompson of Idaho Fish & Game.
Then, the woman reported seeing a long-tailed animal jump a fence.
None of the mountain lion sightings have been confirmed, said Thompson, and no people or pets have been injured.
The reported sighting last weekend took place near Carriage Lane and Addison Avenue. Twin Falls police officers combed the area on foot and by vehicle, and even deployed a drone, according to the TFPD Facebook page, but no evidence of the animal was found.
People are also reading…
Even though the sightings haven’t been confirmed by photos or other direct evidence, Thompson said he encourages residents to be vigilant. Through the years, there have been other mountain lions reported near Twin Falls, mostly near the canyon rim, but this is the first time in recent years where there have been repeated sightings, he said.
People are encouraged to report sightings to either Idaho Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region at (208) 324-4359 or the Twin Falls Police Department dispatch at (208) 735-4357.
In addition, Fish & Game issued these safety tips:
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!
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 or 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, is 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 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:
Wildlife biologists attribute the ongoing presence of mountain lions to resident deer and elk that live throughout the Valley year-round.
- 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.