Mountain lion update

POLSON — For CSKT wildlife program manager Dale Becker, it’s been another week, and another large predator stalking the neighborhoods of Polson.

Little more than a week after setting up motion-sensitive trail cameras intended to photograph the supposed dogs behind the recent wolf scare, an unexpected carnivore strayed into the view of Becker and his colleagues, when footage was captured of a mountain lion in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Polson.

It’s not the first time that a mountain lion has wandered into town, as Becker indicated that there are various reports of cougar visits over the years. However, the activity of the elusive cats often goes unnoticed.

This mountain lion appears to be a young adult, and Becker believes that the animal’s tender age may have led it to Polson.

“I think these reports are of young lions that aren’t real woods savvy,” Becker said, as young mountain lions can initially struggle to make it in the wilderness with their newfound independence.

Becker said that the lion “certainly could have been” responsible for the two deer carcasses found in the area in recent weeks. Based on when they were found, the carcasses were originally linked to the possible wolf sightings reported a few weeks ago.

Live traps have been set to capture the mountain lion. If the animal is caught, Becker says that CSKT wildlife officials will “probably take it about as far as we can get on the Reservation” to be released.

There is not yet evidence to suggest that this particular lion has been disturbing the peace by picking off pets from local porches and backyards. However, encounters with mountain lions can be potentially dangerous, though they are uncommon.

In 1989, a 5-year-old Evaro boy was killed by a mountain lion while playing in his yard.

Anyone who spots a mountain lion in the Polson area is urged to contact tribal officials immediately.