A female mountain lion spotted twice by Colorado Springs residents was trapped by the Division of Wildlife Monday in the southwest part of the city. Business owners reported seeing the big cat Monday morning, and the Division of Wildlife later found her sleeping under a bridge.
Wildlife officials believe the mountain lion wandered into town from Cheyenne Canyon to look for food. She was extremely emaciated, weighing only about half the normal body weight for a healthy mountain lion. The Division of Wildlife shot and killed the malnurished mountain lion because she was not expected to live much longer.
Officials said it is not unusual for mountain lions to be spotted in the southwest area of Colorado Springs. They remind residents never to approach such a cat if you see one; walk away calmly and don't turn your back on it.
Posted: July 26, 2006, 5 a.m. EST