Mountain Lion Lurking In This Missoula Neighborhood

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are cautioning people who live in a busy neighborhood south of Missoula to be aware of their surroundings after finding evidence that a mountain lion has been feeding on deer.

Although FWP hasn't seen the lion, they have found a couple of instances where the cat had killed a couple of the "urban deer" so numerous in the Miller Creek neighborhood, caching the carcasses for later feeding.

That's prompting the warnings for people who might be out and about during the early mornings or evenings.

Get our free mobile app

Mountain lion evidence around Miller Creek

"Over the last month or so, we've had a handful of reports of lions in the South part of Missoula, particularly the Miller Creek area," explains FWP spokeswoman Vivaca Crowser. "And in a couple of those cases, we've been able to find deer that we know were killed by lions."

Crowser says wardens removed the carcasses because that's the best way to ensure the lions aren't hanging around.

Normal behavior to follow the deer

Sightings of lions have become more common in areas like the South Hills in recent years as the number of urban deer continues to grow.

Crowser says it's a good reminder for everyone to be watchful, especially at dawn and dusk.

"Usually they don't want to see us either, and so they're going to be doing their thing most of the time," Crowser notes. "If you ever were to see a lion then you really, really want to stop. Make yourself as big as you can. You don't want to run or provoke anything in that way."

"And with kids being out and about in the neighborhoods, especially in those early morning or dusk hours, just reminding them to travel in groups, make some noise and just reminding them that wildlife is around us here in Missoula."

Runners should be careful too

"It's so common to have headphones in, but it's really important if you're out exercising that time of day, Don't have those headphones, and just be extra aware of your surroundings.

Crowser says it's better to just move the deer caches and hope the lions move on, because they can be very difficult to trap. But she says the state will intervene if there's a case where a lion is not moving on, and "acting aggressive."

If you live in Miller Creek and happen to see a lion, Crowser says FWP would like to hear from you. But she advises you to make the call as soon as possible so the tip is current.