An Oklahoma officer was able to take down a large mountain lion after it was caught killing area livestock, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The mountain lion was reportedly seen killing sheep near a family home in Cimarron County April 1.
After a landowner reported the mountain lion, officials began an investigation, finding that the lion had entered a pen and killed three sheep before leaving when it was unable to pull the sheep through the fence.
The landowner’s daughter-in-law later found the lion eating a sheep just a 35 yards from the home’s front door, and authorities were able to kill the lion when it returned.
Officials said existing protocol was followed and it was determined the cat was a threat to livestock and people.
“While most wild animals are wary of human contact, this big cat was exhibiting predatory behavior very near a house,” the ODWC said in a news release. “Officials confirmed through forensic examination that this mountain lion was indeed responsible for killing the sheep in the pen. The Wildlife Department took possession of the lion for further scientific examination.”
In the past 15 years, wildlife officials have confirmed about a dozen mountain lion sightings across the state. The big cats are native to Oklahoma.
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