BONNERS FERRY — A mountain lion was spotted lounging in the backyard of a residence near the Bonners Ferry city pool on Helena Street, according to a press release from the Bonners Ferry Police Department.  

Officers were notified Tuesday that a mountain line was seen at the home at about 3:30 a.m. According to the report, officers were told the large cat showed no fear, and after a couple of minutes, it leisurely walked from the yard. 

The cat was last seen crossing Helena Street and disappearing into a nearby carport. 

Sightings of mountain lions, bears and moose are not uncommon within city limits, and unless an imminent threat is present, city police said residents should leave the animals alone. 

“We ask that when seen, mountain lions, bear and moose be reported to the Boundary County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center,” Bonners Ferry Police Chief Willie Cowell said in the statement. 

The BFPD urged vigilance in both the city and Boundary County regarding overprotective or potentially aggressive large wild animals. 

The specific neighborhood where this cat was seen has, over the past several years, reported numerous confirmed mountain lion sightings. 

“Be mindful of unattended children, household pets and neighborhood strolls at any time of the day or night,” Cowell said in the statement. “Situational awareness is a lifesaver.” 

The advice from Bonners Ferry Police officials is simple. 

“If you happen to encounter an attentive, or aggressive wild animal, if unarmed, it is best to walk to safety and not run, so as not to incite a predator’s natural instinct to pursue potential prey.”

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game was notified about the sighting.