February 7, 2024

The Arizona Game and Fish Department caught and euthanized a mountain lion in the Jerome area last Friday, after determining the animal was a public safety threat.

According to Jerome Police, the young male lion had been seen multiple times in the past two months, including near homes, and had attacked multiple domestic animals. After it became clear the lion was not leaving the area, Game and Fish trapped it Friday night and humanely euthanized it.

Under Game & Fish policy, once a mountain lion is deemed a public safety risk it cannot be relocated, because the cats can travel great distances, and some translocated lions have made their way back to where they were captured. Officials also do not want to move a problem animal to where it might be a threat to other people; and moving a mountain lion to another lion’s territory can cause further issues.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com