Authorities shoot mountain lion in Omaha

OMAHA – A mountain lion was shot Wednesday in Omaha, as officials feared it posed a threat to the public.

Omaha police responded to a call around 5 PM that a mountain lion was near the Project Harmony Building at 119th and Q streets. The Nebraska Humane Society also responded, as did a veterinarian. The mountain lion, a male that weighed about 120 pounds, was found to have a broken leg and to be immobile. It was unclear how long the animal had been in the area.

Officers consulted with the Nebraska Humane Society, Nebraska Game and Parks and the Omaha zoo. Several factors were taken into consideration including the amount of people in and around the area. Officers explored having an agency with appropriate equipment to possibly use a tranquilizer, however, based on the consultation with all involved and the safety concerns of the public, the decision was made to euthanize the lion. Officers made tactical decisions to place themselves between the mountain lion and Project Harmony so that no projectiles would enter the building.

It was reported that at least a dozen shots from a 12 gauge shotgun were fired at the animal.

In a statement, the Nebraska Game and Parks said, “Sadly, because of all the people in this area, kids inside the building, the decision was made to shoot the mountain lion because it was such a huge public safety factor. It could have taken off running across the parking lot or something. The officers did a great job on tactically advancing on the mountain lion, and, they’re upset that they had to do it, obviously not a fun situation for them”.

It is Nebraska Game and Parks Commission protocol to euthanize mountain lions found in metropolitan areas. Attempts at tranquilization and relocation are dangerous because lions can become unpredictable once darted.

“Our mountain lion Response plan calls for cougars in town to be euthanized if it can safely be done, out of safety considerations for the people in the city,” said Craig Stover, Law Enforcement Administrator for The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The lion is in possession of Nebraska Game and Parks, and a necropsy will be performed.

Mountain lions in Nebraska are part of a larger population that spans all Western states, and animals move freely among Nebraska and neighboring states, particularly South Dakota and Wyoming.

“This was a difficult situation for everyone involved,” said Christy Rasmussen,
Communications Director Nebraska Game and Parks. “We recognize emotions are running high for people and that people want to share their feelings. Public safety is our number one priority. Anytime an officer uses their weapon in the line of duty, the incident is investigated to determine whether there is any policy or procedure violations.”