Mountain lion attacks dog in yard of residential Utah neighborhood

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah (KUTV) — Police in Utah are urging residents to be vigilant after a mountain lion attacked a dog in the city of Pleasant Grove.

According to social media posts from the Pleasant Grove Police Department, authorities late Tuesday received a report of a dog that had been injured in the foothills near the border of Cedar Hills and Pleasant Grove. No one witnessed the attack, though, and police weren't able to immediately confirm if a mountain lion had wounded the dog.

An update on Wednesday confirmed a mountain lion was responsible for the dog's injuries, and the attack likely happened in a residential yard near the Murdock Canal Trail and not in the foothills.

"American Fork and Pleasant Grove Police have been in the area searching for the animal," according to PGPD, adding that a Division of Wildlife Resources officer had also been dispatched.

Officials advised people using the Murdock Canal Trail to do so with caution.

"Please be aware of your surroundings and know where small children are at all times," according to the department's statement. "Please consider bringing pets indoors."

Police didn't release information on the dog's condition.

This is Pleasant Grove's second public safety alert concerning mountain lions in as many months.

According to Wildlife Utah, population data show that the mountain lion population in Utah has been steadily increasing in recent years. The animal's primary prey is deer, so residents should expect mountain lions to be near areas where deer are often sighted.

"People are the most likely to encounter cougars in areas frequented by mule deer and during the early morning and at dusk, when cougars are most likely to be hunting," Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois said.

DWR said people should never hike or jog alone, and they should avoid using headphones that block out nearby sounds. Hikers should also make noise to alert predators to their presence.

Officials caution anyone living near deer habitats to never leave children or pets outside near dawn or dusk.

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