Mountain Lion Kills Dog, Prompts Boulder Police Warning

A mountain lion attacked and killed a small dog in Boulder, Colorado, on Friday night near the 2400 block of Balsam Avenue, prompting investigations by the Boulder Police Department, Animal Protection officers, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The mountain lion pounced on the dog without threatening the nearby residents and took the dog away, with the remains later recovered from a nearby backyard. Authorities responded to a subsequent sighting of the same mountain lion the next day, observing that the animal likely stayed in the area due to storing the prey for later consumption, a behavior typical of mountain lions. Boulder officials emphasized that such attacks are rare, but shared detailed safety tips for residents who encounter mountain lions, including staying calm, backing away slowly, appearing large, and fighting back if attacked. The affected dog’s owners, the Appel family, expressed shock and increased fear about walking outside following the incident, highlighting the challenges of living in an area with one of the densest mountain lion populations in the country. Despite their common presence, mountain lions are generally elusive and active at night, with attacks on leashed pets in residential areas being unusual.