From the Office of the Sheriff: Public Alert, Mountain Lions Suspected in the Area

The Churchill County Sheriff’s Office released information on July 21 informing the public that there have been numerous goats killed in the area of Harrigan Road and Drumm Lane.

A preliminary investigation indicates this is a mountain lion attack. However, the information has been relayed to the Nevada Division of Wildlife for further review. 

NDOW reminds residents that Northern Nevada is mountain lion territory, Churchill County included. However, like most wild cats, mountain lions are solitary animals that prefer to remain unseen. If humans see them in urban or residential areas, they can threaten the safety of children, adults, pets, and livestock. 

As mountain lions have the most extensive longitudinal range of any cat species, they are willing to go great distances to follow their prey – and, therefore, hunt. While encounters with mountain lions are rare, and the risk of an attack is extremely low, they can – and do, occasionally encroach on occupied areas, as was recently evidenced by an adult mountain lion on the outskirts of Fallon.  

Residents in the vicinity should be mindful of their animals and their surroundings when walking in the area.