Mountain Lion Euthanized After Lewiston Sighting

The animal was found about a mile from the initial location and had to be put down due to public safety concerns.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A mountain lion spotted within the city limits of Lewiston, Idaho was located and humanely euthanized early Tuesday morning. The animal was found approximately one mile from the original sighting location, and due to the inability to safely chemically immobilize it and concerns for public safety, the decision was made to lethally remove the mountain lion.

Why it matters

Mountain lion sightings in urban areas can pose a significant threat to public safety, especially in populated neighborhoods. Idaho Fish and Game must carefully weigh each incident to determine the most appropriate response to protect both the public and the wildlife.

The details

The mountain lion was first reported within Lewiston city limits on Sunday. When located on Tuesday, the animal's size and proximity to the original sighting location indicated it was likely the same lion previously observed. However, the area where the mountain lion was found made it unsafe to attempt chemical immobilization, leading Idaho Fish and Game to make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal.

  • The mountain lion was first reported within Lewiston city limits on Sunday.
  • The animal was located and euthanized early Tuesday morning.

The players

Idaho Fish and Game

The state wildlife agency responsible for responding to and managing wildlife incidents, including urban mountain lion sightings.

Lewiston Police Department

Assisted Idaho Fish and Game in locating and dealing with the mountain lion within the city limits.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges wildlife agencies face in balancing public safety and environmental conservation when wild animals venture into populated urban areas. Careful evaluation and decision-making are critical to protect both the public and the wildlife in these situations.