Mountain lion euthanized following hazing injury by DWR officers

A mountain lion on the prowl. Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Services // Lynn Chamberlain

The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) tried to haze the mountain lions using a firecracker, but it hit the mother in the leg on Jan. 22. A few days later, her leg was still swollen, making it difficult for her to move.

PARK CITY, Utah — A mountain lion was euthanized last week at Deer Valley after authorities say she was injured while trying to relocate her and her cubs.

The mother and her two cubs were first spotted living under a deck in a Solamere, lower Deer Valley neighborhood in early January, and officials said they received numerous calls about the animals in the last two weeks.

The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) tried to haze the mountain lions using a firecracker, but it hit the mother in the leg on Jan. 22. A few days later, her leg was still swollen, making it difficult for her to move. Due to this, DWR officials said they decided to euthanize her.

Officials said the cubs were old enough to survive on their own without their mother.

DWR officials remind people not to feed wildlife.