In recent weeks, especially in the last few days, there have been significant news media coverage and social media posts on possible mountain lion sightings, particularly in the Pocatello and Chubbuck areas.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game acknowledges and understands the heightened concern that members of the public have had with the frequency of these recent reports. Idaho Fish and Game has noted and investigated every report in conjunction with efforts by the city of Pocatello and the city of Chubbuck police departments, city of Pocatello Animal Control and Idaho State University Public Safety.
Of the eight reports that have come in since the middle of May, only one has been confirmed. An incident on May 11 involved a treed mountain lion on Red Hill Trail in Pocatello. Idaho Fish and Game darted and moved the animal to a remote location in Southeast Idaho. The rest of the reports since then have not been verified either because of a lack of evidence or possible misidentification.
One individual who called in a sighting of a mountain lion on Red Hill Trail after a mountain lion had already been removed from the area did indicate that they were only about 50 percent sure of their identification. The most recent incident in Chubbuck is now thought to have been an observation of a domestic cat on a roof. The caller indicated failing eyesight and made the observation from her house across the street, making proper identification of a mountain lion unlikely. There have also been postings of suspected mountain lion tracks on social media when tracks were too washed out to properly identify or were clearly that of a large dog or coyote.
While we encourage individuals to report suspected lion sightings and ask questions, it is important to note that some sightings cannot be confirmed.
Idaho Fish and Game cannot explain the unusual number of reports of mountain lions in recent months. The fact is we get reports of mountain lion sightings and encounters throughout the year every year, especially during the winter when these animals follow deer down to lower elevations. This year seems a little out of the ordinary with so many phone calls coming in over spring, especially during these last two weeks.
We live in a wildlife rich area that includes a healthy mountain lion population. Brief incursions into urban areas by lions occur routinely but usually with little awareness by community residents. While we don’t expect frequent mountain lion reports to continue, Idaho Fish and Game is committed to investigating all credible reports that we receive, and to provide helpful information to our fellow community members and visitors.
What follows are talking points to update the public on the status of the recent mountain lion reports and to provide guidance and facts regarding recreation and living in mountain lion country.
Reports and findings
After the male mountain lion was removed from Red Hill Trail on May 11, additional sightings in that area were reported: one on May 16, and two over the weekend of May 19 and 20. Since May 21, three other lion sightings were reported in the Chubbuck and Pocatello areas and one in Inkom.
Idaho Fish and Game officers and personnel responded to each report and conducted investigations, often joined by officers from other municipalities.
On May 21, the entire Red Hill Trail and surrounding area was surveyed for evidence of mountain lions by use of drones and an experienced mountain lion hunter with trained hounds. No evidence of mountain lions, not even tracks or scent, was detected. Hounds were also used on a separate report in the Pocatello area, and no evidence was found.
Idaho Fish and Game installed trail cameras along Red Hill Trail on May 21. No evidence of mountain lions has been detected; however, over the weekend the trail cameras did detect a coyote using the area.
During the week of May 21, signs were put up near the Red Hill Trail on campus property by ISU. Signs were also put up on the trail by city of Pocatello. Idaho Fish and Game does consult with land managers and property owners on signage as needed, but we are not authorized to sign property that is not owned by the department.
Making the call
Mountain lions are elusive and wary of people. It is rare people even see a mountain lion, and when they do, the encounter is usually fleeting. This makes proper identification of a mountain lion difficult sometimes. Adult mountain lions are large cats, tawny to grayish in color, weighing 80 to 200 pounds. The tail, which can range in length from 2½ to 3 feet, is rope-like in appearance (not bushy) and has a black tip.
The tracks of a large dog are often mistaken for mountain lion tracks. Mountain lion tracks are 3 to 4.3 inches long and 3.3 to 4.8 inches wide. They are very round and the bottom pad of the foot has three lobes, whereas a dog’s pawprint is more oval and has a two-lobed pad. Probably the two most unique characteristics of a mountain lion track is that it has one toe visibly larger than the others, and there are no claw marks in the track.
Before you call to report a mountain lion, ask yourself: Is it the right size (bigger than a housecat or even a large dog)? Right color? Does it have a long, rope-like tail? Am I at least 50 percent sure it’s a mountain lion?
Living with mountain lions
Residents of Pocatello and Chubbuck live with wildlife. This is especially true of those who live in the urban-wildlife interface. Though for most this makes living here special, there are inherent risks associated with living and recreating around wildlife, from mountain lions to moose. Even deer can be aggressive around people and pets.
Most mountain lions stay out of trouble with people. However, when an animal is in conflict with people, Idaho Fish and Game is prepared to take the appropriate professional and responsible action as we have demonstrated time and time again — hazing or relocation; lethal removal when necessary.
Mountain lion attacks on humans in Idaho are rare. There have only been three attacks by mountain lions on people in Idaho since 1990, and though traumatic to those involved, none were fatal. The recent incident in Washington was the first fatal attack by a mountain lion on a human in 100 years in that state.
Wildlife, even mountain lions, move around and even through the Pocatello area routinely. It has been that way for decades and will be that way for decades more. That means that reports of mountain lions (verified or not) will continue.
For more information, including what to do if you encounter a mountain lion, refer to the brochure Living with Mountain Lions, which can be found at https://bit.ly/2IUKSDp.
Idaho Fish and Game wants to make it very clear that we are happy to take phone calls from concerned public about mountain lions and any other wildlife species, and we will investigate or respond to wildlife calls as necessary and in a manner appropriate for each situation.
We also hope that people will take the time to educate themselves on all risks associated with outdoor recreation, including wildlife safety, and that they use this information to help them enjoy living and playing safely in Idaho’s outdoors.
Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.
