Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials have been looking for a mountain lion that was recently spotted between Mink Creek and Fort Hall Mine roads.
Regional Wildlife Manager Martha Wackenhut said a citizen reportedly spotted the mountain lion preying on a fawn mule deer, and another deer cache was found nearby.
“(The location) is right on the fringe of wildlife habitat and there are a lot of deer in the area during both the winter and summer,” Wackenhut said, adding that the mountain lion seems to have keyed in on that.
The animal hasn’t attacked any livestock in the area.
“It doesn’t seem to be habituated to people, pets or livestock. It’s acting very much like a cat and taking wild game,” Wackenhut said.
Although the mountain lion hasn’t caused any problems yet, Wackenhut said Fish and Game officials have been looking for the animal so they can relocate it to an unpopulated area. With the help of a citizen who owns some hunting hounds, they searched for the animal on Saturday and Wednesday, but didn’t have any luck, Wackenhut said. They have also placed live traps in the area, but haven’t been able to catch the mountain lion yet.
Wackenhut said they plan to continue monitoring the area for a few days to determine if the mountain lion has relocated itself. In the meantime, anyone who sees the animal is asked to call Fish and Game officials at 232-4703.
Wackenhut said it’s not unusual to hear about mountain lion sightings between Pocatello and the more native habitat that surrounds the town; however, the most recent incident was unique because it occurred fairly close to a residence.
Wackenhut reminds homeowners, particularly those living in places that attract a lot of deer, not to store cat and dog food outside where it might attract unwanted animals, like mountain lions, skunks or raccoons.
“Keep any livestock, (like) chickens and rabbits, contained as well,” Wackenhut said.