This Arizona wildcat only had one life, but cats may have nine.
According to wildlife officials, a dog owner in a residential neighborhood in Arizona had to shoot and kill an aggressive cougar after it attacked him and his puppy twice while they were out for their nighttime stroll.
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a cougar unexpectedly pounced on the dog last Sunday at around 10 p.m. when the guy was walking his dog in Buckeye, which is about 30 miles west of Phoenix.
Running to his pet’s help, the agitated dog owner started kicking the big mountain lion off of his pet. At first, he was able to repel the snarling animal, but the cougar persisted, according to officials.
According to accounts and wildlife officials, the cougar kept after the man and his cherished pet as they fled.
The cougar struck once more as they attempted to flee to the safety of their house. This time, the owner of the dog took out a gun and killed the animal by shooting it.
“When it got close for a second time, the resident shot and killed the lion,” the department said.
After arriving on the site, wildlife officers removed the cougar’s remains. Wildlife officials say the owner was unharmed and the dog only suffered minor injuries.
Because authorities believed the shooting was self-defense, they did not issue a ticket for the large cat’s death.
The wildlife agency states that mountain lions are widespread in Arizona and are not listed as an endangered species.
According to the University of Arizona, urban development raises the possibility of encounters even if cougar assaults on people remain uncommon.
“We must realize the valuable role mountain lions play in native ecosystems and the relatively low threat they pose to humans. While uncommon, some attacks on humans have been fatal,” the university said. “If you encounter a lion, do not run. Face the lion and slowly back away, leaving an escape route. You should also try to appear larger by raising your arms over your head. You may also throw rocks and sticks as long as you can avoid crouching down.”
