Lewiston Mountain Lion Killed Following Sighting at College Campus

Mountain Lion Seen at Lewis-Clark State College Was Later Found in Lewiston

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued a press release regarding a mountain lion sighting in Lewiston on a college campus. A mountain lion that was originally reported being seen on Feb. 1 at Lewis-Clark State College was later located about one mile from the original sighting area and humanely euthanized during the early morning hours of Feb. 3. The response included assistance from the Lewiston Police Department, and Fish and Game says the animal’s location and size made it likely the same lion that had been observed earlier.

Video Footage of Mountain Lion Wandering Lewis-Clark State College

Fish and Game says surveillance footage captured a young lion near the ticket booth by the baseball field at Lewis-Clark State College late on Feb. 1. Fish and Game, campus security, and Lewiston police searched the area that night but didn’t locate it at the time.

Why Fish and Game Chose Euthanasia Instead of Relocation

Killing the animal might sound harsh, but it’s understandably necessary. Fish and Game says the lion was in an area where darting and sedation could not be conducted safely. Tranquilizing a large predator can create more danger if the animal runs while the drug takes effect. It can wind up closer to people, pets, traffic, or in places responders can’t safely access. With public safety concerns in play, Fish and Game made the call to humanely euthanize the lion.

The Bottom Line: Public Safety Comes First

Fish and Game says lethally removing an animal is never an easy decision, but when wildlife incidents happen in residential areas, they prioritize public safety and evaluate each situation case-by-case based on conditions on scene.