Comments on: Coppers Cap Cornered Cougar

By: JIMV

JIMV — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:20:39 +0000

Mountain lions are major predators. Most folk do not desire to be kitty chow.

By: Eye on Numbers

Eye on Numbers — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:20:50 +0000

I appreciate the cat was a beautiful animal but on the other hand, a big cat (even one that small) is a threat to small children, pets and just about anything else the cat determines is “food”. A full sized adult cat is not something I would want near homes and people.

We must have too many of them if they are this far out of their domain and relocating them or thinning the population may be necessary.

On a personal level, big cats give me the creeps. They are silent stalkers and once they make their move a human is going to come out as the main item on the menu. They are so quick you have no opportunity for defense.

By: Clancy

Clancy — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:18:12 +0000

Zippo, I doubt every patrol unit has a shotgun and those that do probably don’t have the choice of ammunition. Are shotguns kept in the front of the vehicles or are they stored in the trunk?

By: Zippo

Zippo — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:17:32 +0000

Good Shooting, but why not a 12ga 00 round? Do they even carry those around any more?

By: Anonyvox

Anonyvox — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:54:50 +0000

F&G policy requires that only employees who have received training on the use of animal tranquilizers and who maintain a current certification may dart animals. This ensures that the animal isn’t overdosed, or (possibly worse) under-dosed and wakes up too early and causes an injury to someone.

At 3:30 in the morning, it is virtually impossible to muster the people equipped and trained for this quickly. The only safe option the ACS officer had was to shoot the cat.

It’s really unfortunate that it played out this way, but it was the best resolution available under the circumstances.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:22:30 +0000

Rod, not sure who you believe “they” are, but the order to dispatch the lion came from Fish and Game. Mountain Lions are territorial animals. When they wander into town, it’s because they think town is their territory. Ask any Fish and Game Officer and they will tell you the same thing, a Mountain Lion “CAN NOT” be relocated. NO matter how far away you take the Mountain Lion to relocate, it will make its way back to “it’s” territory. Maybe you could put out some treats for the next one and when he shows up, take care of him yourself.

By: Rod in SE Boise

Rod in SE Boise — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:38:20 +0000

Seems like “they” can declare anyone or any thing a “threat to public safety”. You are next, if not me.