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Mountain Lion Suspected In At Least 8 Dog Deaths In Coal Creek Canyon

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - Colorado Parks and Wildlife has issued a warning for pet owners after a mountain lion has attacked and killed as many as eight dogs in Coal Creek Canyon near Golden.

Wildlife officials have placed signs across Coal Creek Canyon warning of the mountain lion danger. Residents say they'll rest a lot easier when the big cat is found.

COAL CREEK MOUNTAIN LION PK
(credit: CBS)

Chris Depetro is still heartbroken over the death of "Boo" the Rottweiler.

"She was a friendly neighborhood dog and friend of everybody's," Depetro said.

A mountain lion is believed to have killed Boo and seven other dogs in Cold Creek Canyon since November. Depetro says when he found the pup's body near his home last week it was obvious what had happened.

"They bury their animals, their prey, in the duff, and they cover the carcass," Depetro said. "And it was hidden very well."

Jennifer Churchill with Colorado Parks and Wildlife says mountain lions are common in the canyon, but one cat going after so many domestic animals is alarming. Traps have been set to catch and relocate the cat.

"In this case we might have a lion that's kind of keying in on dogs. It's finding easier meals by going after these dogs instead of going after deer," Churchill said.

Churchill says no dog -- not even a Rottweiler -- is a match for a wild cat.

"We had a lion go after an Alaskan malamute and it pulled it over a 6-foot fence. These are strong animals," Churchill said.

A nearby school has warned its students.

As the hunt for the big cat intensifies, Depetro says losing Boo has taught him some valuable lessons.

"We do live in their natural habitat. We have to learn to live with them and we have to take extra precautions," he said.

Wildlife officials say when the big cat is found it'll be moved at least 30 miles away. It'll also be placed with a radio collar so they can track its movements.

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