MOUNT SHASTA, CA — A tailless, collared mountain lion is killing pets and livestock along Mott Road and Old Stage Road. Several members of the Board of Supervisors have called for a lethal take permit. The Sheriff hesitates — and residents are running out of patience.
The 11-month-old female lion, rehabilitated and released in May, was already relocated once to remote Scott Mountain. It returned. Now it repeatedly preys on domestic cats, ducks, and other small livestock in residential neighborhoods. Security camera images show the animal on private property — including one photo of it with a killed domestic cat.
In response, members of the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors petitioned the Sheriff’s Office to issue a lethal take permit. A county trapper is on standby.
But the permit has not been issued.
According to sources, the Sheriff spoke forcefully at recent town hall meetings about public safety — yet now hesitates to act, reportedly citing fear of environmental backlash.
Residents are not buying it.
“This lion has killed repeatedly. Relocation failed. People are afraid for their kids and pets,” residents in the area stated. “Supervisors are requesting the order. What is the Sheriff waiting for?”
Under California law, mountain lions are protected, but depredation permits are explicitly allowed when an animal repeatedly targets domestic animals and non-lethal measures fail. This case meets the standard.
The supervisors who have spoken out represent the will of their constituents. The Sheriff’s reluctance — whether rooted in political calculation or bureaucratic caution — is unacceptable when public safety hangs in the balance.
The lion remains active. Families remain at risk. The Sheriff must issue the permit now.
Siskiyou.News will continue to track whether the Sheriff follows the supervisors’ directive — or continues to talk tough while doing nothing.
One Comment
This cat seems to be trouble where ever she’s at. The count trapper needs to do more than being on standby.
This cat was on my property night before last. We have duck, chickens,quail,pheasant and peacocks. If need be I will try to trap it myself.