Mountain lion euthanized in Ketchum after killing family pet

Ketchum, ID (CBS2) — A mountain lion was euthanized after it killed a family pet in a backyard in Ketchum.

Idaho Fish and Game said the attack occurred on Dec.18. The owner let their cat into their fenced backyard, and within minutes, the mountain lion killed the cat.

Fish and Game tracked the lion to Highway 75. When they lost the tracks, they decided that since the lion had been bold enough to enter a fenced backyard to get the pet, they would set a trap at the home to protect the residence.

A female yearling mountain lion was trapped later that day and Idaho Fish and Game officers euthanized it.

“As with any decision that we are faced with to trap and put an animal down, our staff have to make the hard call to protect area residents and their pets” stated Craig White, Regional Supervisor of the Magic Valley Region, “we don’t take these decisions lightly, but ultimately our responsibility is to protect public safety. When a mountain lion exhibits aggression towards people or their pets within the confines of a fenced yard we need to take appropriate actions.”