Yesterday, Friday morning about 1 am, the Mountain Lion that has been stalking local domesticated animals was shot by a neighbor.  The neighbor woke to a commotion and found the cat trying to drag off one of his dogs.  When the lion saw the neighbor he began advancing on him.  This guy raised his 308 and the cat is no more.   In addition to our dog Bear, we know he took a Shetland Pony, and a German Shepard on Tuesday of this week.  

When I heard this news I burst in to tears.  I had such mixed emotions.  While I essentially forgave the cat for doing what big cats do I didn't believe he was a "good cat".  He was either old, sick or had completely lost his fear of people.  This made him dangerous.  They guy who shot the cat has two little kids that he wouldn't let play outside anymore.  Lots of kids walk to the bus stop in our rural community. 

The other neighbor who had his 110 lb dog attacked the same night Bear died sent me pictures last night.  Again, more mixed emotions.  Things are definitely not black and white. 

The guy who shot the cat may be in big trouble with the Department of Wildlife.  In Colorado we have a law called the "make my day law" which essentially allows you to protect yourself if your are being threatened on your own property.  Maybe that only applies if a person is threatening you?  Again, I know we live with the wildlife, but where is the line?  These are all things I DO NOT know the answer to.....