Arizona Man Shoots Mountain Lion After Repeated Attacks

AmmoLand ^ | June 10, 2025 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

A mountain lion attacked a man and his dog near Buckeye, Arizona, on May 25, 2025, about 10 p.m. The attacks occurred in Verrado, which is near the Skyline Regional Park. Buckeye is a bit closer to Phoenix than it is to Yuma. This correspondent has traveled within a few miles of the attack location numerous times. It is a relatively wild stretch of desert, but close to human developments. People in the developments say there have been numerous sightings of mountain lions over the last few months. From azcentral.com:

Officials said the man engaged in “a brief altercation” with the wild animal, successfully “kicking the lion off of his dog.” But it continued to follow them as they began walking back toward their home.

When the mountain lion attempted to approach again, the man shot and killed it.

Officials said the animal was slain in self-defense. State wildlife managers picked up the carcass, and no citations were issued.

Mountain lions, as well as coyotes and bobcats, frequently view pets, and occasionally, humans as prey. Most pet owners are unwilling to stand by and allow a mountain lion to kill and eat their pet, their children, or themselves.

Due to an intense campaign to humanize wild animals, combined with a high level of prosperity and urbanization, there is a significant percentage of humans who believe any animal attack on humans is justified, but a human defense against an animal attack is not justified. Fortunately, this is a small but often vocal minority.

Here is a sample of such comments on the Facebook page that has this article:

Sheri Caldwell:  Why did he have to kill him? Why didn’t he call somebody to take him away

Matt Muyres: The lion probably didn’t attack,

[Big Red Badger]

Mt.Lemon below The old Scout Camp
I got Spooked by a Hugh flat with Downed Trees that looked Like Giant
Kitty Scratch Poles!.
Yuppers. I exited Stage LEFT !

[Bonemaker]

Probably depends on prosecutor. I think law stipulates protection of humans or livestock, pets being neither.

[JohnnyP]

“Yuppers. I exited Stage LEFT !”

Cue the boppity boppity boppity sound effect as your legs spin, trying to get traction.

[Tommy Revolts]

Why didn’t he call somebody to take him away

Say what? Yeah, I'll just wait until they get here and take him away.

Are people really this dumb? It's not a feral cat, it's a mountain lion and it will kill you.

[clive bitterman]

Since most people consider their pets as their children, I can’t imagine anyone NOT defending them with deadly force. The Arizona State Judge who taught our CC course explained to us what to say to the police and/or prosecutor to avoid any repercussions for having saved your dog or cat. Good guy…

[Bonemaker]

I’d be sure to have some scratches on me!😎

[riverrunner]

It used to be that way when they were hunted with hounds.

In many place now days they eat dogs.

[riverrunner]

I never lost a argument with a cat.

House cat are small I am a lot bigger.

Their lives depend on whether I let them live or die.

Same goes for wild animals.