Small dog killed by mountain lion in North Boulder

A mountain lion attacked and killed a small dog in north Boulder over the weekend, prompting a warning from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and local authorities.

The attack happened around 9:30 p.m. on Friday in the 2400 block of Balsam Avenue. Police said residents were walking their dog when a mountain lion suddenly emerged and pounced, killing the dog instantly, according to wildlife officials. The mountain lion did not threaten the dog’s owners and quickly left the scene, carrying the dog with it. CPW was notified that night.

The next day, CPW officers, Boulder Police Animal Protection officers and rangers with Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks returned to the area after another sighting of what was believed to be the same mountain lion. Authorities suspected the animal had cached the dog’s body — or possibly another animal — nearby, a behavior common when a mountain lion stores prey for later consumption.

After monitoring the mountain lion's activity for nearly two hours, the cat left the area on its own. The dog’s remains were recovered by animal protection officers from a nearby backyard, allowing the family to have closure and reducing the chance the mountain lion would return.

While mountain lion attacks on pets are rare, sightings are not uncommon along the Front Range. Officials reminded residents that mountain lions are a natural part of the local ecosystem, and removing one animal does not eliminate the presence of others.

Wildlife officials explained that mountain lions are territorial and solitary. If one lion leaves or is removed, another will often take its place.

CPW provided mountain lion safety tips, including:

-- Do not approach mountain lions. Give them space and a way to escape.

-- Stay calm and speak firmly to show you're human, not prey.

-- Back away slowly. Never run as it may trigger a chase.

-- Make yourself look big. Raise your arms, open a jacket and pick up small children.

-- If the mountain lion acts aggressively, throw objects without crouching or turning your back.

-- Fight back if attacked. Stay on your feet and keep resisting.