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PLEASANT GROVE — Animal control officers on Friday found and euthanized a mountain lion in Pleasant Grove after it had killed chickens in a neighborhood.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources received the report of chickens being killed on Monday in the area of 2600 North and 900 West. Officers set up a live trap at the site and later learned the cougar was "frequenting other chicken coops (at least four) within a half-mile area" in a residential area, said Scott Root, outreach manager with the Division of Wildlife Resources.
On Thursday, wildlife officials received a report that the mountain lion had taken more chickens, prompting officials to place another live trap at another location.
A homeowner notified the division that the lion became trapped Friday morning.
"We picked it up this morning. Unfortunately, because this cougar has been living in this residential community, killing chickens at several locations and possibly other animals/pets, we deem this cougar a public safety hazard and we euthanized it according to DWR policy," Root said.
Earlier Friday, Pleasant Grove police said they were working with other agencies "to resolve this issue in the most humane ways possible." Officers urged residents in the area to "be vigilant about your surroundings and the whereabouts of your children, and consider bringing your pets inside at night."
Wildlife officials have noted the drought is likely to bring more wild animals into communities this year. Last month, a black bear was captured and relocated after finding its way into a Morgan neighborhood.
