Mountain lions in Prescott, Arizona have been lethally removed by wildlife officers. A resident reported an attack on his dog by one of the mountain lions, while another acted aggressively toward him. These mountain lions were part of a group of four that had been spotted in Prescott recently and were believed to be responsible for killing several pet dogs. Their presence near homes and people, along with their fearless behavior and recent aggression towards humans, classified them as a public safety threat.
The mountain lion killed on Sunday was estimated to be a 3- to 5-year-old adult female. The other two mountain lions, one killed on Tuesday and another on Wednesday, were possibly adult-sized offspring. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officers are currently searching for the fourth mountain lion in case it remains in areas with human activity.
Mountain Lions in Prescott
The AZGFD follows a human-wildlife conflicts policy when dealing with situations like these. This policy outlines acceptable and unacceptable wildlife behaviors and the appropriate responses. Due to the mountain lions’ unacceptable behavior and the threat they posed to public safety, relocation was not an option, and the decision was made to lethally remove them. Relocating mountain lions with aggressive behavior could transfer the problem to a different area and endanger other communities.
Karen Klima, Kingman Regional Supervisor, expressed the difficulty in making such decisions, stating that wildlife biologists strive to manage healthy wildlife populations and avoid putting animals down. However, in this case, public safety became the top priority, and action was necessary.
Earlier this year, a mountain lion attacked a man who was camping along the Salt River in Gila County. When mountain lions exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans, they can attack, injure, or even kill.
People who encounter mountain lions are urged to contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department dispatch at 623-236-7201. Wildlife officers are present in the area to ensure public safety.
For tips on avoiding conflicts with mountain lions or what to do when encountering one, click here. Likewise, you can read more Arizona hunting news by clicking here.
