Couple in Pocatello spot mountain lion in backyard
On Tuesday, a couple off of Black Rock Road in Pocatello spotted a young mountain lion in their backyard. Reporter Erin O’Shaughnessy headed to the Idaho Fish and Game Office in Pocatello to see just how common it is for mountain lions to wander into city limits.
According to Jennifer Jackson, the Regional Conservation Educator at Idaho Fish and Game, it is common for wildlife to wander into backyards.
“We literally live in an urban interface, so part of the experience of living here we can often times see wildlife in our backyard,” Jackson commented.
One of the best ways to deter wildlife, like mountain lions, from wandering into the city is to keep prey sources off your property.
“If you have a yard that attracts deer or other animals those are prey sources for mountain lions,” said Jackson.
If a mountain lion does end up on your property, Jackson said to stand your ground. If you try and run away it may trigger a chase response. Instead, stand tall, make noise or even throw rocks. By making yourself look intimidating, it will usually prevent any further encounters with that mountain lion.
The mountain lion that was spotted off of Black Rock Road in Pocatello did disappear into the woods. However, if a mountain lion decides to camp out at your house, you are encouraged to call Fish and Game so they can help relocate the mountain lion.
“Our job here in the region is really important to us, we care about the wildlife resource and we care about the people that love and appreciate it,” added Jackson.
