Mountain Lion Spotted at College Campus, Later Euthanized

Idaho Fish and Game killed the animal due to public safety concerns after it was found in a residential area of Lewiston.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:31pm

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A mountain lion was spotted on the Lewis-Clark State College campus in Lewiston, Idaho on February 1. After a search, the animal was later located about a mile from the original sighting and was humanely euthanized by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game due to public safety concerns.

Why it matters

Mountain lion sightings in urban or residential areas can pose a risk to public safety, especially if the animal is unable to be safely tranquilized and relocated. Fish and Game prioritizes public safety when making decisions about how to handle such incidents.

The details

Surveillance footage captured the young 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 at the time. The lion was later found about a mile from the original sighting, and Fish and Game determined that darting and sedating the animal could not be done safely, as tranquilizing a large predator can be risky if the animal runs while the drug takes effect. With public safety as the top concern, Fish and Game made the decision to humanely euthanize the mountain lion.

  • On February 1, surveillance footage captured the mountain lion on the Lewis-Clark State College campus.
  • In the early morning hours of February 3, the mountain lion was located about a mile from the original sighting and was euthanized.

The players

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Idaho's wildlife, including responding to incidents involving wild animals in residential areas.

Lewiston Police Department

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

Lewis-Clark State College

The college campus where the mountain lion was initially spotted on surveillance footage.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges wildlife agencies face in balancing public safety with humane treatment of wild animals when they venture into populated areas. While euthanasia is a last resort, it can be necessary when the risks of relocation or tranquilization are too high.