After multiple sightings and a failed capture, a mountain lion was euthanized by authorities near Cheyenne on Sunday morning, according to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office.
In a Facebook post from Sunday, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office says reports of a mountain lion sighting came in at 5:30, 7:30, and 8:30 along Hackamore Road (north of Cheyenne) that morning. Along with sheriff’s deputies, Wyoming Game & Fish officers also responded to the scene.
“Despite several sightings, deputies were unable to safely capture and relocate the mountain lion,” the post recalled. “It repeatedly crossed property lines, went beneath porches, and moved near children and livestock. With no safe opportunity to contain it, deputies had to euthanize the animal.”
Even though the event was resolved, many online were critical of the department’s handling of the situation and ultimate solution. Some called the euthanasia unnecessary, arguing relocation remained an option that authorities disregarded:
“If they could get a shot off to kill it they could have darted it and relocated it!” exclaimed one commenter beneath the department’s post.
Others praised the proactive approach to a potentially dangerous situation:
“Their [intentions] were to save the animal. When it became a dangerous situation, they had to make the decision,” one user wrote.
“Imagine if the mountain would’ve attacked somebody’s animal or heaven forbid a child…. what would everybody’s response be then?” posed another commenter.
Although the public was also advised caution regarding another female lion that was spotted in the area, no updates were provided afterward.
