Police search for mountain lion in Saratoga Springs

Police officers in Saratoga Springs were on the hunt for a mountain lion spotted near an elementary school Wednesday morning.

At about 8:15 a.m., a caller reported seeing the large cat near 800 West and State Road 73. Several officers, some with tracking dogs, arrived, looking for tracks or the wildcat itself, but found no signs, said Saratoga Springs Police Corporal Kevin Turner.

Officers continued their search for about two hours.

Students at nearby Riverview Elementary were scheduled for an inside recess due to the weather, but police informed them of the possible threat. School officials initiated an automated phone call to parents, telling them to bring their children to school and explained the police presence in the area.

Turner said this is only the second or third call he's had reporting a cougar in the five years he's been on the force. However, a mountain lion last year ran through neighboring Eagle Mountain. It attacked some pets and was eventually caught in the window well of a home.

"Due to that situation, we take these calls pretty seriously," Turner said.

He asked residents to call police at 801-766-6503 if they find tracks or spot the mountain lion.

smcfarland@sltrib.com

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