Lion killed after attacking dog in Glacier Park

A Glacier National Park ranger shot and killed a mountain lion Saturday that attacked a dog in the employee housing area near park headquarters in West Glacier.

Park officials say a park employee returned to her home at 5 p.m. Saturday and her dogs unexpectedly raced out of the car. One of the dogs began fighting with a mountain lion.

Neighbors tried to separate the animals using a shovel, but the lion and dog ended up tumbling over the bank near the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. 

The lion reportedly pinned the dog near the river’s edge while people tried to separate them.

A park ranger shot the mountain lion and the dog was rescued after jumping into the river. The injured dog was taken to a veterinarian and received several stitches and other wound treatment and is expected to survive.

Pets are allowed in developed areas of the park but they must be on leashes.

A necropsy will determine the health and age of the mountain lion.

A mountain lion was hazed earlier this winter from the headquarters area and warning signs had been posted. Park rangers believe additional lions may be in the area.