October 24, 2023 |
Photo – Mountain Lion caught on camera at Hot Pools – Courtesy SPD
A mountain lion was spotted several times last week in Saratoga. Police are advising residents to be on the lookout for the big cat.
Late Thursday afternoon, Saratoga Police released a statement saying a mountain lion was observed around the Hobo Hot Springs.
Police Chief Mike Morris said earlier last week, police dispatchers saw the big cat on the hot pools’ security cameras. Chief Morris said the animal approached from the area of the Hugus Ditch, south of the hot pools.
Chief Morris said people were at the hot pools when the mountain lion was around. The police chief said a family walking their dog spotted the animal and gave the big cat a wide berth.
Chief Morris said a few days later, Saratoga PD received a call that the mountain lion was spotted again in the same area. The police chief said an officer responded to the scene, but the big cat escaped by climbing a tree.
Later that same night, Chief Morris said the mountain lion was seen again. The police chief said an officer managed to scare the animal off by using a non-lethal pepper ball gun. Chief Morris said the Saratoga PD is working with Wyoming Game and Fish locate and remove the big cat.
Chief Morris said his department has been receiving mountain lion calls in the area for weeks. The police chief said the animal appears to be stalking along the Hugus Ditch.
Chief Morris said he believes all the mountain lion sightings were of the same animal. The police chief said the big cat has an easily identifiable fur pattern.
Chief Morris said mountain lion sightings are not uncommon in Saratoga given the environment and proximity to open country.
The police chief, however, said attacks are infrequent. Chief Morris said this mountain lion appears to be comfortable being around people, which can increase the chances of someone getting hurt.
Chief Morris said to call the Saratoga PD if you spot the mountain lion in town. The police chief said his department will relay the information to Wyoming Game and Fish.
If you spot the mountain lion, or any other wild predator in town, call the Saratoga Police Department at 326-8316.
