Man kicks mountain lion off dog, shoots it as it follows them, AZ officials say

A mountain lion was shot and killed in Arizona after officials say it attacked a man’s dog, then came back for more.

It happened at about 10 p.m. Sunday, May 25, in Buckeye, the state Game and Fish Department told McClatchy News in an email.

A man was walking his dog in the Verrado neighborhood when a cougar appeared and started attacking the dog, according to wildlife officials.

The man fought with the mountain lion and was able to get it off his dog by kicking it, officials said.

He began making his way back home with his dog, although the mountain lion apparently wasn’t deterred, as it kept following them, getting closer, officials said. The owner didn’t give the cougar another chance to attack.

“When it got close for a second time, the resident shot and killed the lion,” the department said, adding that officials later picked up the animal’s body.

“The dog was not severely injured,” officials said. “The action was in self defense and no citations were issued.”

Buckeye is a roughly 30-mile drive west from Phoenix.

While human and mountain lion conflict is generally considered rare, growing urban and suburban development increases the likelihood of encounters, according to the University of Arizona. There are an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 mountain lions in Arizona.

“We must realize the valuable role mountain lions play in native ecosystems and the relatively low threat they pose to humans. While uncommon, some attacks on humans have been fatal,” the university said. “If you encounter a lion, do not run. Face the lion and slowly back away leaving an escape route. You should also try to appear larger by raising your arms over your head. You may also throw rocks and sticks as long as you can avoid crouching down.”

This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 10:40 AM with the headline "Man kicks mountain lion off dog, shoots it as it follows them, AZ officials say."