SEELEY LAKE - A Seeley Lake resident’s dog was killed by a mountain lion early Wednesday, June 16 off of Spruce Street. The last mountain lion sighting in the area was reported almost a month prior, but Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Cougar and Bear Management Specialist Eli Hampson said they are quite common in the area.
“There’s a lot of deer in town for food, and there is a healthy lion population in the area as well as deer and elk,” Hampson said. He added, “I can’t tell you how often the lions are going through town like that but I am sure it is happening a lot more than we know.”
According to previous reporting by the Pathfinder, the mountain lion population in the Clearwater and Swan drainages soared in the last two years due to an abundance of deer and elk. With the population high, and a deer population which is lower due to the last two harsh winters, lions are expanding their territory and some are being pushed into town in search of food.
The incident occurred after the owner returned home after a late shift at his job and let his dog out at 1 a.m. After five minutes, the owner heard squealing, and looked outside to see a lion pinning his dog. The lion, described as a large tan creature, then picked up the dog, jumped the fence and disappeared into the night.
A text message from his supervisor woke Hampson early on June 16. He was tasked with finding the lion and he quickly reached out to the owner.
He and Federal Law Enforcement Officer Tyler Robinson started to track the lion by using a hound around 9 a.m. They picked up a scent which took them up Morrell Creek, but because of the rainfall any scent the lion left quickly washed away.
Hampson said that when these attacks occur, it is important to notify FWP immediately so they can get to work.
“Our best action with something like this is to get on it as soon as we can,” Hampson said. “If we were there early in the morning it could make a bigger difference, but it is tough, especially with the rain.”
Besides tracking a lion with a hound, FWP can use traps in the area. Hampson said this adds a level of risk. The trap could ensnare local bears, other dogs, or even another mountain lion which was not involved in the incident.
Hampson has limited options now to find the lion. He said while people can post on Facebook about sightings and the occasional attack, not everyone is documenting the encounters with FWP. He hopes more people can step up when they see a lion, and either prevent future attacks, or help catch an abnormally behaving lion.
“The sooner folks can report stuff, the better. It’s funny how the media finds out about these things before FWP finds out about it,” Hampson said. “The more reports the better, even if it is just for a paper trail.”
If you have experienced a conflict with a predator, residents are encouraged to report it as soon as possible. Call Hampson, 406-210-3213 or FWP Bear and Lion Management Specialist Jamie Jonkel 406-544-1447. For an immediate problem in Seeley Lake call FWP Wildlife Biologist Scott Eggeman, 406-542-5542. Bear and lion sightings and conflicts can also be reported at Missoula Bears (missoulabears.org) or on the Missoula Bears Facebook page. To report illegal activity call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668).
Things to do to avoid a lion conflict:
• Use common sense, be aware of mountain lion sign and your surroundings. Lions move without making a sound in the woods.
• Skirt buildings and porches and close abandoned buildings so lions don’t move in for winter.
• Reduce deer attractants. It is illegal to feed deer and put out a salt lick. Fence gardens and reduce mowed lawn to discourage deer from taking up residence.
• Keep pets in at night. If they have to go out at dawn, dusk or at night, go out with them and turn on outdoor lights.
• If there is a lot of mountain lion sign in an area, don’t allow young children to play unattended.
If confronted by a lion:
• Maintain eye contact.
• Stand your ground and look as large as possible.
• Shine a light or blinking light in the mountain lion’s eyes.
• Use bear spray. Bear spray works on any animal with mucus membranes.
• Fight back if the lion attacks.
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