The Cat Feeds Himself

At about 6 a.m. on March 26, just south of Pine Hills, two Julian residents heard sounds of distress coming from the vicinity of their livestock pen. Upon arriving at the scene, one resident discovered a mountain lion feeding on a freshly killed goat. Another goat was killed but not eaten. The alarmed residents went into a panic, as they stated that the cougar was trapped in the fully enclosed goat pen.

Though the lion had found a way into the pen, because he was surprised by the approach of people, he could not locate the way out. When the residents backed away, the lion escaped and charged by, barely missing one elderly resident and leaving both killed goats behind.

Because residents got a good look at the lion, they were able to identify it as a young male. The Department of Fish and Game was notified of the attack. Wardens responded the next day, but stated that because of the elusive nature of this animal, it would be difficult to locate.