GREELEY, Colo. — An officer shot and killed a mountain lion that was considered a public threat on Friday in Greeley, police said in a news release on Tuesday.
Greeley Police officers initially responded to reports Friday morning of a mountain lion in 2500 block of 26th Avenue Court, near Madison K8 School, police said. The school was placed on secure perimeter status and a Reverse 911 CodeRed alert was issued for nearby residents to shelter-in-place.
Officers worked to contain the mountain lion to keep it away from the school and pedestrians. When the mountain lion attempted to break out of containment "and it became apparent public safety could no longer be assured," an officer shot and killed the animal, police said.
No one was injured, police said.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson said CPW officers were en route and not at the scene when the mountain lion was shot. The lion was an adult female.
Police said it's rare for a mountain lion to make its way into Greeley, though it can happen as they follow waterways in search of food. The CPW spokesperson said there can be an uptick in mountain lion activity at lower elevations this time of year as they follow their food – deer and elk – down out of the high country.
Mountain lions are most active between dusk and dawn.
Police gave the following tips if you see a mountain lion:
- Call 911
- Bring pets inside or keep them close on a lease, even in a fenced yard.
- Don't approach the mountain lion.
- Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms.
- Announce yourself loudly.
- Retreat slowly without turning your back.
According to the CPW website, Colorado has about 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions statewide, not including kittens. In Colorado, they live mostly west of Interstate 25 and are most abundant in foothills, canyons and mesa country.