Watch CBS News

Mountain Lion Shot After Breaking Into Stanislaus County Home

DENAIR (CBS/AP) — Authorities shot and killed an 80-pound mountain lion after it took a door off its hinges and broke into a Stanislaus County home.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department officials said Thursday that deputies shot the animal while investigating a possible burglary in progress.

They said a homeowner in Denair, near Turlock, called 911 on Sunday morning after hearing a loud crash and commotion coming from inside the house.

Spokesman Royjindar Singh said deputies did not find a burglar but spotted a female mountain lion hiding in a nearby tree.

Deputies shot the animal after it came out of the tree, deeming it a menace to public safety.

Authorities said the animal was likely trying to get away from the homeowner's dogs and panicked, then broke into the house.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.