Mountain lion roams Toquerville area; biologist says ‘make yourself appear bigger’ if you encounter it

In this image shown for illustration purposes, a mountain lion walks through snow, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, St. George News

TOQUERVILLE — A young mountain lion is on the loose in Toquerville, according to the Division of Wildlife services.

A female mountain lion for illustration purposes, unspecified location and date | Photo courtesy of Denise Peterson/Utah Mountain Lion Conservation, St. George News

“A few small animals have been taken: a lamb, ducks and rabbits,” said Jason Nicholes, wildlife biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Cedar City office. “There have also been a few sightings of it at night when the lion is trying to cross Highway 17.”

Officers from the Division of Wildlife Resources and Fish and Game are trying to catch up with the animal but have not been successful. They have brought in dogs to see if they can get a fresh scent on the cat. The tracks suggest a young mountain lion that may still be learning how to survive independently.

Nicholes said if encountering a mountain lion, it’s best not to run away. Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase, which triggers the animal’s prey instincts.

“Yell, throw stones and try to make yourself appear bigger,” Nicholes said. “Usually, the lion is more afraid of humans; just don’t run.”

During the spring, mountain lion cubs are being kicked out of their mother’s care as the mothers head into mating season. Nicholes said if one of the cats is sighted to call Washington County dispatch, (435) 634-5730.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!