KETCHUM, Idaho — Ketchum residents have been reporting two mountain lions prowling through neighborhoods, appearing on security cameras, and frequenting front yards in the area both during the daytime and at night.
So far there have been no reports of attacks on pets in the area.
The big cats have been making appearances in the Magic Valley Region since the beginning of the year with Idaho Fish and Game receiving at least 17 calls about mountain lions, mostly in the Ketchum and Hailey area.
Conservation officers are only able to respond and investigate reports of mountain lions if the reports are made by residents. Make sure to report any mountain lions you encounter to (208) 324-4359 so that officers with Fish and Game can monitor the behavior of the lions and minimize risks to public safety.
According to Idaho Fish and Game, here's what you should do if you encounter a mountain lion:
- NEVER run away from a mountain lion. Their instincts compel them to chase and catch what they perceive as prey.
- NEVER turn your back to a lion. Always face them and make yourself look as large as possible. Yelling loudly can help, but make sure not to scream as the high-pitched sound could mimic the sound of a wounded animal.
- SLOWLY back away from the lion while maintaining eye contact.
- Equipment like bear spray or a noise device like an air horn can also help fend off a mountain lion.
- Remember, if you are attacked FIGHT BACK.
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"Mountain lions are very common in the Wood River valley," said Terry Thompson with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
The exact number of lions that live near or pass through the Wood River Valley is unknown.
"... but we do know we have two lions right now,” Thompson said. “They're pretty visible in the north and west of Ketchum"
These lions have been caught on home security cameras, even approaching home windows to take a peek inside.
"It's concerning to us because one they are very comfortable inside city limits," Thompson said.
Residents in Ketchum are concerned as well. Since January 1st, Fish and Game’s Magic Valley office has received 17 calls reporting mountain lions in town.
"Lions shouldn't be living in your backyard,” Thompson said. “It would be very natural for a lion in the valley to transit through town because it's not habitat, but where they take up residence or they become very comfortable and live in a backyard."
Fish and Game is asking people to be aware of their surroundings, take precautions like keeping pets leashed, and reduce access to sheds or other structures where mountain lions could hide out.
"Our goal is to encourage these lions in some way to move out," Thompson said.
Fish and Game will look for opportunities to discourage the animals from staying in town, including using non-lethal hazing methods, like loud noises, or rubber bullets to let them know this isn't where they should be.
In Idaho, mountain lion attacks on people are pretty rare. You have a higher chance of being struck by lightning. But if it does happen, fight back.
“Fight dirty,” Thompson said. “Eye pokes, do whatever it takes because you need to break that attack off."
Any in-town sightings or observations should be reported to the Fish and Game Magic Valley office.
"The more we can be aware of lions in the neighborhood,” Thompson said, “it gives us more options of ways to encourage them to leave."
