SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A mountain lion sighting in Hurricane has prompted warnings from the city’s police department late Wednesday evening.
The mountain lion was reportedly seen in the area around the Dollar Tree at 1600 West and State Street.
“These sightings are rare, but important to take seriously,” the Hurricane City Police Department said in a public announcement.
MORE | Mountain Lion Sightings
Officials advised community members to bring pets indoors, especially at night, and to avoid walking alone in low-lit areas.
Anyone who sees a mountain lion in the community is encouraged to report the sighting to local officials.
“Let’s look out for each other and animals,” Hurricane police said.
Mountain lions live all across Utah from the Uinta Mountains to southern deserts, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). They are most commonly found near deer habitats, which serve as their main source of food.
For those living particularly close to where mountain lions roam, DWR recommended making yards deer-proof.
“If your landscaping is attractive to deer, cougars will follow the deer and hang close to your property,” DWR said. Wildlife officials added that any livestock should be safely housed in a barn or shed at night.
Anyone who encounters a mountain lion should avoid running, as DWR officials said that will provoke the mountain lion to chase. Instead, wildlife officials advise making eye contact and making yourself as big and threatening as possible by speaking loudly and firmly and raising or waving your arms.
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