On Sunday morning the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a mountain lion was sighted in the Bennet. Home surveillance and game cameras captured photos and video of the mountain lion between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Based on the times of those sightings, the animal was moving east and away from the city of Bennet. Deputies have been monitoring the area with no additional sightings reported.
“Although sightings are rare, mountain lions are present in Nebraska and they can travel great distances in search of food,” says Captain John Vik. Their diet is typically made up of deer and other small mammals. Vik says Lancaster County residents should not leave unattended food outside, do not leave small pets outside alone and keep children close to you.
If you encounter a mountain lion, Vik says the goal is to convince the big cat that you are not prey and may be dangerous. “Do not approach a mountain lion, do not run from a mountain lion and do all you can to appear larger.”
He says stand up and do not crouch or bend over so you’re not confused with a small animal. Vik says fight back if you are attacked. If you would like to report confirmed evidence of a mountain lion on your property or have additional questions, contact the sheriff’s office at (402) 441-6500.
(Photos: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Dep.)