Pass Area Dogs Killed In Mountain Lion Attack: Sightings, What To Know

YUCAIPA, CA — Yucaipa homeowners shared the sudden and impactful loss of their dogs, Summer and Winter, an Anatolian Sheppard and an Alaskan Husky, both killed Saturday morning by a mountain lion in their Yucaipa backyard.

Sometime before 8:30 a.m. Saturday, a mountain lion jumped into the dog's yard and killed both, the Schultz family told Patch Tuesday.

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Their Husky Winter was 8 years old, and the Sheppard was 2 years old, according to Roger Schultz.

When asked how the family was coping with the loss of their dogs, Laurie Schultz replied, "I'm still a mess."

Her husband agreed, saying, "It's tough. They were family.:

The sudden loss and shock led her to warn her neighbors about the dangers lurking even in their Yucaipa backyards.

"This mountain lion even came back and took the shepherd out and carried her away," Shultz wrote. "We have an approximate location because of her collar and will try to locate her later today.

This unprovoked attack occurred in broad daylight, she said. They have notified the California Dept. of Fish & Game of the incident, she said.

A statement from that organization said that biologists were assessing the incident before responding.

“Mountain lion (preying) on domestic dogs, even large breeds, is not uncommon," the CDFG wrote. "The department recommends residents take preventative measures to protect their pets and livestock from predators."

Already, residents from across the Pass Area are reporting mountain lion sightings near their homes. One Oak Glen resident shared an overnight photo from a Ring camera of a mountain lion prowling near the property.

Other residents have seen such wild predators in Calimesa, Banning and Beaumont, according to comments on Schultz's post.

"I know we are living in their habitat and hope others will just stay alert when walking and hiking in the foothills," Roger Schultz told Patch. "You never know when something like this might happen."

Some steps residents can take are supervising pets when outdoors, especially at night, and providing a secure enclosure for pets that are outside.

"We have all seen the warnings about keeping your pets inside, but please also reach out ot people who walk our streets and warn them," Laurie Schultz said. "Everyone should be alert and aware."

Her husband agreed, saying that their family has lived in that home for 31 years, and they have only seen a mountain lion in the area once before.

"Now that this is being discussed, I'm learning others are seeing them in the neighborhood recently," he said. "So keep kids and pets safe, and be mindful of your surroundings."

To learn more about preventing conflicts with mountain lions near your home visit: wildlife.ca.gov.