For places to see a mountain lion, the area near 9th and Myrtle in Boise would be the last place I would expect. More than likely this is a young male cat looking for a territory and it probably won’t live too long unless it leaves soon.
The bobcat, however, seems likely to be the one that my wife saw next to the Nature Center earlier this spring, which is across the river from Boise State University and part of the headquarters of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This cat seems to have found Boise to be an okay place to live.
Bobcat sighted on Boise State campus, cougar sighted nearby.
The Idaho Statesman
Update: Juvenile mountain lion shot and killed just off Curtis Road in Boise. Idaho Statesman. This might have been the mountain lion seen the story above.
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Ken Cole
Ken Cole is a 5th generation Idahoan, an avid fly fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer. He is the interim Idaho Director for Western Watersheds Project. We do not accept unsolicited “guest” authors or advertising.
Hopefully they both stay safe. I would love to see a mountain lion but in town is not where I would want to.
There was this story today.
Idaho Fish and Game says cougar sightings not uncommon. KTVB.com. Television.
Two winters ago, there were reports of several cougar on the Idaho State University campus. That is in Pocatello. They were probably eating deer on the campus’ margins. There are reports of cougar in Pocatello or its suburbs about 4 or 5 times a year.
I know from personal experience with the Utah Division of Wildlife that people mistake domestic cats for cougar. I went out with an officer to check one report out. The “cougar” tracks near the house were those of a large domestic cat, probably feral.
“Idaho Fish and Game says cougar sightings not uncommon.”
Not uncommon? Why not just common? The editor at KTVB is falling down on the job.