A tragic situation appears to have unfolded in the Town of Erie, with police notifying residents about a recent situation involving a small dog that went missing.

According to the police department, it is believed that the small dog was snatched up by a mountain lion from its backyard near Erie Air Park. The situation is currently under investigation.

“While sightings like this can feel alarming, it’s important to remember that mountain lions are native to Colorado and do inhabit areas around Erie, especially near open space and wildlife corridors,” reads a press release on the matter. “Most are elusive and avoid humans — but they may be drawn closer to homes by easily accessible food sources, including unattended pets.”

The town of Erie is located in both Boulder and Weld counties, with Boulder County, in particular, being a place where mountain lion attacks on pets are known to occur on a relatively regular basis. For example, in 2023, there was a string of mountain lion attacks in nearby Nederland in which 15 dogs were killed over a 30-day period.

It’s important for Coloradans to remember that just because a mountain lion hasn’t been seen in a given area, it doesn’t mean the species isn’t present. Mountain lions tend to be elusive, most active while under the cover of night. If typical prey of a mountain lion is present – deer, for example – there’s a good chance the apex predator is present, too.

In order to keep your animals safe, it’s important to keep food sources that may attract wildlife to the yard absent or inaccessible. Remember, while that bird seed might not be what a mountain lion is after, it might be after the birds that visit the feeder. It’s also important to keep a close eye on pets when they’re outside – utilizing motion-sensor lights can not only make it easier to monitor pets, but can also act as a deterrent for wildlife. Additionally, eliminating potential hiding spots for mountain lions can be effective when it comes to protecting pets, too – blocking entrances to the area beneath a deck or removing shrubbery in that dark corner of the yard, for example.

The Erie Police Department has requested that the public call 303-441-4444 to report any mountain lion sightings. Those outside of the area can call their local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.