2 lions spotted in Colorado Springs; 1 shot to death

COLORADO SPRINGS — Wildlife officials shot and killed a mountain lion on the city's growing southwest side Monday in the second sighting of such cats in three days, officials said.

A mountain lion spotted Saturday roamed yards in the Stetson Hills area and clawed a dog before disappearing into the darkness early Sunday, Division of Wildlife district manager Albert Romero said.

The cougar spotted Monday appeared lethargic and ailing when it settled under a bridge shortly before noon.

"It was in very poor condition, very emaciated. I could see every rib," said Romero, who shot and killed the mountain lion with one shot.

Both animals were suspected of wandering into the populated areas by following creeks.

The sightings are the latest in reports of mountain lions roaming neighborhoods and devouring family pets up along the Front Range, one of the most heavily populated stretches in the Rockies. Experts say the sightings have increased as cities encroachment on their habitat.

While the cat spotted over the weekend appeared to be a year old and weighed about 70 pounds, the animal on Monday was 3 or 4 years old and weighed about 40 pounds, or about half of what it should have weighed, Romero said.

While Romero noticed the cat had an abscessed canine tooth, the body was to be sent to Fort Collins for an autopsy.

<i>Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com<;/i>