Third reported mountain lion sighting

For the third time in less than two weeks, a mountain lion has been spotted near the Idaho State University campus.

Police and officers from the Idaho Fish and Game department searched for a mountain lion around dusk after a hiker reported seeing the animal. The hiker was on the Red Hill Trail at the time of the sighting. When officers responded they couldn’t find a mountain lion.

On May 11th, another mountain lion was spotted in the same area. A few days later another mountain lion sighting was reported by the Stephens Performing Arts Building.

People living in those areas say they are being more vigilant about making sure they keep a close eye on their children and pets.

“We have the kids play inside or if they are in the backyard and we are watching them, we have the dogs out so she will let us know,” says Johnathan Riley, Pocatello resident.

Most of the people living in the area say they aren’t changing their daily activities too much. They are going to keep their eyes open and report anything. We talked to a few joggers who use the Red Hill Trail and many of them say they will be carrying pepper spray from now on.

It was just nine days ago that the Idaho Fish and Game officers tranquilized and moved a mountain lion that had been in that same area.