Idaho Fish and Game proposes new mountain lion management plan

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants your input on its proposed mountain lion management plan.

 "We have mountain lions in Idaho, and we love that," Idaho Department of Fish and Game spokesman James Brower said. "The plan going forward makes sure that we have sustainable populations of mountain lions, healthy populations that are also harvestable."

The new plan will affect how the department responds to mountain lion sightings until 2029. This year has seen a fair amount of mountain lions venture into towns like Pocatello and Rigby.

"Earlier in the year, we had a pretty severe winter," Brower said. "That brought big game animals like deer and elk down closer into town. Where deer and elk go, the mountain lions follow as well. So especially earlier in the year, we did have the presence of mountain lions coming in more closer to two towns."

Fish and Game says not all mountain lion sightings are confirmed. Brower tells us the most recent mountain lion sighting in Rigby was most likely a mis-identified house cat.

He explains mountain lions can be identified by their tacks and size.

"They leave a track that's going to be about as big as your hand...they're pretty large. In most instances, their tail is equally as large as their body," Brower said. "Their tracks are kind of the dead giveaway if it's a really small track. Probably not a mountain lion."

Brower assures us Fish and Game has plans in place for when mountain lions venture into populated areas.

If you do see a mountain lion in your area make sure to contact Fish and Game and 911 immediately.

For more information on the proposed Mountain Lion Management plan, click HERE.