A Northern California mountain lion orphaned near Weed and relocated in May over 40 miles southwest to a secluded area of the Trinity Alps made the trek back to her original home range close to Mount Shasta, prompting safety warnings to pet owners and those who care for other animals.
California wildlife officials working with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, June 3 were attempting to track F29, a young female mountain lion that reportedly preyed on chickens and small animals in the Weed and Mount Shasta areas before she had to be removed.
Both agencies wanted to safely capture the big cat and relocate her to a new remote location, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Sage Milestone.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said F29 was an orphan near Weed when wildlife experts rescued, rehabilitated and fitted her with a GPS collar. They had released her in the Trinity Alps west of Redding in Trinity County.
But since her release, the lion has roamed and found her way back to Siskiyou County.
Authorities say the animal does not pose an imminent threat to the health and safety of residents.
“Instead, F29’s current behavior warrants a prompt removal and relocation,” the sheriff’s office said.
Mountain lions are a specially protected species in California, though there are exemption to the law to preserve public safety and protect private property and livestock and bighorn sheep, according to fish and wildlife.
The sheriff’s office did note that although wildlife officials issue depredation permits, the sheriff’s office can kill an animal that they deem is threatening the public.
Sheriff’s officials and wildlife experts planned to keep an eye on F29’s behavior once they are able to relocate her again and asked residents to keep their pets and other animals safe in their enclosures.
This story may be updated with new information.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Mountain lion relocated for preying on poultry returns to Mount Shasta
Reporting by Staff reports, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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By Staff reports, Redding Record Searchlight | USA TODAY Network
