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Mountain Lion Spotted In Absarokee Near Residents, Businesses

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A mountain lion has been showing up in Absarokee in south central Montana recently. Residents report seeing the animal at all hours. So far it’s not acted aggressively around businesses or homes.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens and biologist have been searching for the elusive animal but so far have not found it.

Absarokee is in the middle of prime mountain lion habitat.

FWP reports the lion has been following deer into town. Deer are a favorite prey of mountain lions.  Some people are leaving food out for deer, which attracts deer and deer attract mountain lions.

Montana law makes it a crime to feed or harbor deer.

So far, the mountain lion has not acted aggressively but continued contact between wildlife and people could eventually lead to conflict.         

Kay Erickson has been working in broadcasting in Billings for more than 20 years. She spent well over a decade as news assignment editor at KTVQ-TV before joining the staff at YPR. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a degree in broadcast journalism. Shortly after graduation she worked in Great Falls where she was one of the first female sports anchor and reporter in Montana.