Mountain Lion Killed After Sighting at Idaho College Campus

Idaho Fish and Game euthanized the animal due to public safety concerns.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Surveillance video captured a young mountain lion on the Lewis-Clark State College campus in Lewiston, Idaho on February 1. Idaho Fish and Game later located the animal about a mile from the original sighting and made the decision to humanely euthanize it, citing public safety concerns and the difficulty of safely darting and relocating the large predator.

Why it matters

Mountain lion sightings in urban or campus areas can raise public safety concerns, as the animals pose a potential threat to people, pets, and property. Fish and Game agencies often have to make difficult decisions about how to handle such situations, weighing the risks to the public against the welfare of the wild animal.

The details

Surveillance footage captured the mountain lion near the baseball field ticket booth at Lewis-Clark State College on the evening of February 1. Fish and Game, campus security, and Lewiston police searched the area that night but did not locate the animal. The next day, Fish and Game found the mountain lion about a mile from the original sighting. Due to the lion's location and size, they determined it was likely the same animal seen on campus. Given the public safety risks, Fish and Game made the decision to humanely euthanize the mountain lion, as darting and relocating the large predator could have created more danger.

  • On February 1, surveillance video captured the mountain lion on the Lewis-Clark State College campus in Lewiston.
  • On February 3, in the early morning hours, Idaho Fish and Game located and euthanized the mountain lion about a mile from the original sighting.

The players

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Idaho's wildlife, including responding to incidents involving dangerous animals in urban or populated areas.

Lewis-Clark State College

A public college located in Lewiston, Idaho where the mountain lion was initially spotted on campus.

Lewiston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that assisted Idaho Fish and Game in responding to the mountain lion sighting.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the difficult decisions wildlife agencies must make when large predators venture into populated areas, prioritizing public safety while also considering the welfare of the animal. It underscores the need for continued education and coexistence strategies between humans and wildlife, especially as development encroaches on natural habitats.