Dog owner cited after Glacier mountain lion fight

WEST GLACIER – A Glacier National Park employee has received a citation for failing to control a pet within the park.

The employee’s dog was involved in a fight with a mountain lion on Saturday, March 21. After the mountain lion had the dog pinned down, a park ranger shot the mountain lion and killed it.

Based on an investigation of the dog-mountain lion incident, it was concluded the employee did not maintain control of the pet. It also was determined that the ranger who shot the mountain lion acted appropriately.

The ranger involved in the incident is one of the dog’s owners. The investigation concluded that the ranger, or any other ranger, would have acted in the same manner because of the rapidly evolving circumstances of the situation.

“The sub-adult mountain lion displayed characteristics of habituation,” Glacier National Park Chief Ranger Paul Austin said.

The cat failed to flee the developed area after housing residents yelled and screamed, and rocks and logs were thrown at the cat.

“We take this incident seriously, as many children were playing outside in the housing area at the time of the incident,” Austin said.

A mountain lion was hazed this winter in the employee housing area after the animal was seen near homes and offices.

Park rangers believe additional mountain lions may be frequenting the headquarters and employee housing area.

Park housing residents are allowed to keep pets while living in government-owned structures in the park. Pets are allowed in developed areas of the park, including frontcountry campgrounds and picnic areas, along roads, in parking areas, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. The entire headquarters area of the park is considered a developed area.

Pets are not permitted on trails, along lake shores, in the backcountry or in any building. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, under physical restraint, or caged at all times, including while in open-bed pickup trucks.