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Tribes rescue, relocate cougar

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POLSON — A female yearling mountain lion was removed from atop a power pole April 6 along Kerr Dam Road in Polson and released northwest of the location a day later.

Because of the danger of the power lines, CSKT wildlife biologists couldn’t gently lower the animal down in the usual manner by roping a foot. Instead, biologist Shannon Clairmont tranquilized the cougar, and then the big cat fell to the ground, according to CSKT biologist Stacey Courville.

The mountain lion was ear-tagged and observed overnight to be sure the fall didn’t hurt her. 

Courville noted it’s pretty typical for a yearling to be turned loose from mom, and then search around for a place “to set up shop,” he said. “I’m sure she is hunting deer. There’s lots of mule deer in the area, and she probably came off the river.”

Tribal biologists have trapped and released seven cougars in the past two months; four belonged to the same family, Courville said.

The big cat was “treed” by a dog along the well-traveled road, according to Courville.

CSKT spokesperson Rob McDonald said it was interesting to hear the comments of drivers as they passed by. One rolled down the car window and shouted, “I love Montana!”

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