A Declaration of Public Safety was issued by Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher on February 5 following a confirmed mountain lion attack that resulted in the death of a family dog near a residence in Sierra Brooks.
The incident occurred approximately 30 yards from the family’s home. Initial reports suggested the animal involved may have been a wolf, as a lone collared wolf from the Harvey Pack had been documented in the area. However, an investigation conducted by Sheriff’s deputies and federal trappers determined the responsible predator was a mountain lion.
During the investigation, authorities discovered an animal cache site roughly 250 yards from the residence. The dog was found deceased at the site and had been buried, a behavior consistent with mountain lion predation. Based on this evidence, officials concluded the lion was actively residing and feeding in the immediate area rather than merely passing through.
The family sought a permit to kill the lion, but the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued only a hazing permit. Sheriff Fisher said the circumstances warranted stronger action due to the lion’s continued presence near homes, children, livestock, and a popular hiking area. As a result, he declared a public safety emergency and forwarded the declaration to USDA Wildlife Services, which agreed with the assessment.
A trap was set behind the residence. Following a 9-1-1 call reporting a mountain lion sighting in the Sierra Brooks neighborhood, one lion was safely euthanized. A second lion was euthanized the next night after returning to the residence near the trap site. Both animals were transferred to USDA authorities.
Sheriff Fisher noted that he personally observed a mountain lion in Loyalton approximately two weeks earlier and believes it is possible it was one of the lions euthanized.
Mountain lions are classified as a specially protected mammal in California. Fisher emphasized that while the species is common in Sierra County, law enforcement only intervenes when animals display abnormal or dangerous behavior. Since taking office, Fisher has issued only two public safety declarations involving mountain lions and two involving bears. All four cases met a clearly defined threshold for intervention and were agreed upon and assisted by USDA Wildlife Services.
In addition to the Sierra Brooks incident, the Sheriff’s Office has received reports of other predator-related encounters. A livestock guardian dog was found west of Loyalton with injuries consistent with a predator attack and was transported to a veterinary clinic in Reno. The owner requested DNA swabs be collected to help determine whether the injuries were caused by a wolf, mountain lion, or coyote. However, the veterinarian declined to obtain samples after learning a wolf may have been involved.
On February 6, the Sheriff’s Office and USDA Wildlife Services also investigated the death of a calf at the Goicoechea Ranch east of Loyalton. Only a single calf leg was located, and despite a search, the remainder of the carcass was not found. Given confirmed mountain lion activity in the area, officials believe the calf was likely dragged off by a lion. CDFW has been formally requested to analyze collected DNA to identify the predator responsible.
