LEWISTON, ID – Idaho Fish and Game officials say a mountain lion first reported within Lewiston city limits on Feb. 1 was located and humanely euthanized early Feb. 3.

According to Fish and Game, the animal was found about one mile from the original sighting location. Officials said the lion’s size and location indicated it was likely the same animal previously observed near Lewis-Clark State College.

Wildlife officials said the mountain lion was located in an area where chemical immobilization could not be safely conducted. Due to public safety concerns, officers made the decision to humanely euthanize the animal with assistance from the Lewiston Police Department.

Fish and Game officials said lethally removing wildlife is not an easy decision but noted that public safety is the agency’s top priority when responding to wildlife incidents in residential or urban areas. Officials said each situation is evaluated individually based on available information and conditions at the scene.

The initial sighting occurred late Feb. 1 when surveillance footage showed what appeared to be a young mountain lion near the ticket booth at the Lewis-Clark State College baseball field. Fish and Game personnel, campus security and Lewiston police searched the area but were unable to locate the animal at the time.

Officials previously noted that mountain lions are typically nocturnal and elusive, though occasional sightings near populated areas can occur.