Mountain lion kills pastured horse near Hailey
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A mountain lion attacked and killed a horse near Hailey Sunday while it was pastured.
The horse was pastured in Croy Creek Canyon when the lion attacked early in the morning. Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers investigated and confirmed the older mare was killed by a mountain lion.
Traps have been set in an effort to try and find the mountain lion responsible for the attack.
"They bite the back of the neck and just crush the spine," IDFG said. "They do the same thing as they would with a deer or an elk."
IDFG wants to remind residents to be vigilant for wildlife, such as mountain lions, throughout the Wood River Valley. While not a typical prey source, livestock are sometimes opportunistically taken by mountain lions.
If you encounter a mountain lion:
- NEVER run away from a mountain lion. The lion’s instinct is to chase and ultimately catch what they perceive as potential prey.
- NEVER turn your back on a lion. Always face them while making yourself look as large as you can. Yell loudly, but don’t scream. A high-pitched scream may mimic the sound of a wounded animal.
- SLOWLY back away while maintaining eye contact with the lion.
- Safety equipment you may choose to carry could include bear spray, a noise device, like an air-horn, and if you walk in the dark, a very bright flashlight.
- If you are attacked, fight back!
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