Family dog being treated after mountain lion encounter
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POCATELLO — A family dog was taken to a veterinarian Wednesday after an early morning encounter with a mountain lion.
The incident happened on the outskirts of Pocatello near Silverfield Way and Goldfield Drive after the dog’s owner let the pet outside to use the bathroom.
“They encountered each other and the dog chased the mountain lion up a tree,” Idaho Fish and Game spokeswoman Jennifer Jackson tells EastIdahoNews.com. “The mountain lion then swatted at the dog and the dog backed away.”
The cougar left the area a short time later and has not been located.
This is the third report of a mountain lion in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area over the past few days.
“In Chubbuck, last week someone reported seeing a young mountain lion in town,” Jackson says. “Officers went out and couldn’t find anything. Over the weekend we had another report of someone seeing a young mountain lion again in Chubbuck.”
It’s unknown if the feline spotted Wednesday is the same animal but based on the homeowners description and evidence at the scene, officials believe the mountain lion is younger or a small adult female.
“Sightings like this are common. This is the nature of where we live. It’s always happened and will continue to happen,” Jackson says.
The dog was taken to a vet and released back to the homeowner, according to Jackson. It is expected to make a full recovery.
Folks living in the area are asked to use caution with children and pets. If a mountain lion is sighted, residents should not attempt to contain it and should call Pocatello Police at (208) 234-6100 or local Idaho Fish and Game at (208) 232-4703.