Mountain lions kill and eat miniature horse

A pair of mountain lions killed and partially ate a miniature horse near a residence on Blanchard Lake Road, south of Whitefish, on Dec. 8. After the lions killed the 31-inch high horse, they dragged it away, ate part of it and cached the rest.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lion specialist Erik Wenum set a trap near the carcass and caught a 135-pound, 5-year-old lion the next day. The male was euthanized.

At the time, Wenum wasn't sure if one lion or two were involved, but later that same afternoon, the landowner saw another lion feeding on the carcass. The landowner called Wenum, who authorized the man to shoot the lion.

The second lion was a 110-pound female, and the two were likely a breeding pair. Wenum said the lions weren't far from the family's home, and FWP has a "zero tolerance" policy for lions near houses.

Wenum said the area was good lion habitat, but mountain lions typically don't prey on horses. In his experience, Wenum said he's dealt with more lions that have been killed by horses or mules than the other way around.

Adult horses and mules are good at fending for themselves. The horses are generally injured in an encounter when they run into a fence.

But a miniature horse is much smaller prey, and lions will kill and eat llamas, goats and other small pets, like dogs and cats. Residents living in lion habitat should try to put their animals in a barn at night if possible to ensure their protection.

People have also moved into areas like Many Lakes, Rhodes Draw and McMannamy Draw that provide excellent winter range for deer. Mountain lions are bound to follow their prey and end up around homes where deer are found, Wenum said.

This winter in Glacier National Park, where lions are largely protected, lion tracks have been seen regularly in the Apgar and West Glacier areas, which is also winter range for deer.

Lion attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Most lions are secretive, solitary creatures and rarely seen.