Arizona Game and Fish officials shoot, kill mountain lion after dog attacked in Prescott

Arizona Game and Fish officers said they shot and killed a mountain lion in a northwest Prescott neighborhood Sunday night after a resident reported it attacked his dog in their backyard.

According to a statement from the department, the mountain lion killed, an adult female between 3 and 5 years old, is believed to be one of several mountain lions that have killed three dogs and injured three more over the past four weeks.

Game and Fish said that another mountain lion was also present during the dog attack that produced the call Sunday, with the caller stating it acted aggressively toward him.

"In addition to the mountain lion that exhibited aggressive behavior toward the dog owner Sunday night, a mountain lion also appeared within 10 feet of a mother and child two weeks ago in their backyard. These behaviors, along with the fact the mountain lions continue to be seen in proximity to homes and people, make them a public safety threat," AZGFD said in the statement.

Wildlife officers with the department are continuing to patrol the area in hopes of finding one or more of the other mountain lions lingering in the vicinity, the department said.

Officials advised any Prescott residents who see a mountain lion in areas of human development or exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior should call the department dispatch at 623-236-7201.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Game and Fish officers kill mountain lion in Prescott