Authorities have placed what they call a baited “humane trap” in an area where two mountain lions killed a small dog Thursday in a backyard west of Colorado Springs.
The incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the 10800 block of Ora Street in Green Mountain Falls, according to a media release.
The lions, one large and one small, entered a fenced yard and killed the 15-pound dog, according to a the Green Mountain Falls Marshal’s Office.
A deputy marshal responded to the scene, but the lions had jumped back over the fence and were gone.
The marshal’s office asked that residents not disturb or approach the wire framed trap.
The area will be watched and extra patrols of the area will be done through out the weekend.
The marshal’s office will also be at the Ute Pass Elementary School beginning next week during recess and lunch periods when children are on the playground. Patrols will also watch school bus stops.
There have been numerous lion and bobcat sightings in the Ute Pass area recently, the marshal’s office said, and residents should take great care to watch after pets and small children when they’re outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn.
Hikers using trails in the area should also be aware of big cats and the marshal’s office suggests that hikers do not set out alone.
People who come across mountain lions should not run from the encounter, experts say, because flight could trigger a cat’s hunting reflex and spark an attack.
Slowly back away from the lion, experts suggest. People should raise their arms to make themselves look large, and talk loud or yell at the animal if necessary. Be prepared to use a stick or rock to fight off the cat if necessary.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
