Boise Police responded to a reported mountain lion sighting in southeast Boise Monday morning, but no evidence was found. Officers stayed on-scene for a while as a precaution.
According to a Boise Police Department news release, Ada County Dispatch received a report shortly before 7 a.m. of a mountain lion in the area of S. Intercon Way and E. Grand Forest Dr. in southeast Boise.
Police officers responded and did an extensive search on foot but did not hear or see any evidence of the mountain lion.
Officers remained on the scene as a precaution, and schools in the area were notified.
According to wildlife experts, wild animals generally try to avoid human contact. If you do see an animal in the wild:
-Maintain your distance. Behavior of wild animals is unpredictable. Don't attempt to feed, catch or pet a wild animal.
-Never try to approach wildlife babies or mothers with their babies; the mother's protective response can be very fierce.
-Report injured or aggressive animals to immediately authorities by calling 911; don't attempt to give aid to injured animals. If an injured animal approaches you, move away slowly.
-As always, be aware of your surroundings and potential threats to personal safety, wildlife or otherwise.
The Idaho Fish and Game Department also reminds residents to:
- Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage from DFG offices.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats, and other vulnerable animals.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
- It is safer to hike, bike, or jog in groups.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
