Idaho residents on alert after 2 mountain lions spotted at least 17 times this year

The Idaho Fish and Game department has warned residents in Ketchum and surrounding areas to be aware of their surroundings after two mountain lions were spotted in the area.

The department, in a news release, said that two sub-adults, believed to be siblings, were seen by residents of Ketchum and Hailey, either in their yards or in security cameras. Biologists have estimated the two to be between 1.5 and 2 years old based on video observations.

At least 17 calls related to mountain lion sightings were received in the Magic Valley region since Jan. 1, said the department. Most of the sightings were reported from Hailey and west and north Ketchum during both night and daylight hours. Ketchum is approximately 150 miles east of Boise.

While there have no reports of attacks on pets, authorities have urged residents to stay alert to keep themselves and their pets safe.

The department has also requested residents to continue to report mountain lion sightings in and around Wood River Valley communities and neighborhoods, as well as any encounters or missing pets so that they can monitor the behavior of the wild animals and "assess potential risks to public safety". The Magic Valley Regional Office can be reached at 208-324-4359.

What to do if you see a mountain lion?

The Idaho Fish and Game recommends the following if you encounter a mountain lion:

• Never run away from a mountain lion. Instead, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. If you run, the animal can perceive you as potential prey and will try to chase and catch.
• Don't turn your back on a mountain lion. Face the animal while making yourself look as large as possible. Yell loudly, but don’t scream - a high-pitched scream may sound like a wounded animal.
• Carry safety equipment such as bear spray, noise device, or a bright flashlight if you are going out in the dark.
• Fight back if attacked.
• Stay alert and use all your senses to detect if a mountain lion is nearby. Always check your surroundings, including the backyard, before heading out and use a light if going out in the dark. Exercise caution during physical activities such as running or biking and don't block out all noise - a mountain lion or wild animal may be giving signals that you’re too close.

Pet safety

The Idaho Fish and Game describes mountain lions as "opportunistic predators, meaning they don’t know when their next meal will happen, and will often attempt to take prey when it presents itself". A pet may be seen as prey by the mountain lion and the department recommends the following tips to ensure your pet's safety:

• Keep pets on a leash.
• Keep a sharp eye on your pets’ behavior. They may sense the mountain lion before you.
• Do not feed your pet or leave their food dishes outside. While the mountain lion may not be attracted by pet food, it may attract other wildlife that could be mountain lion's prey.
• Before letting your pet out, scout the surroundings, turn the lights on, make noise and ensure the yard is clear of wildlife.
• Accompany pets if possible.

The department also recommends clearing your surroundings of food and garbage that is likely to attract any kind of wildlife and not feeding wild animals.

In case of an encounter, Idaho Fish and Game recommends calling 911 immediately. Sightings and other information can be reported to the Fish and Game, Magic Valley Regional Office at 208-324-4359.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.