C’Est La Vie After Lions Lunch On Llama Man Says Predators Not A Big Problem After Cougars Strike

A 16-year-old llama named Dagwood has been killed by mountain lions in the community of Bellevue, but the Idaho Department of Fish and Game does not anticipate capturing the cats.

Dagwood fell victim to a female cougar and her son on Christmas Eve.

He was one of six llamas owned by Dave Markham. He was worth about $1,200.

Jack Parker, who owns the land where the llamas are kept, said he noticed all the animals clustered against the fence and making “odd sounds.”

Parker and Markham searched without success for the missing llama on Dec. 24.

On Christmas, Parker undertook a more thorough search. He spotted a young male lion about 40 feet away, guarding his kill.

Parker retreated to his home and later determined that a smaller lioness also was around.

Roger Olson of Fish and Game visited the site and said there are no plans to capture or attempt to relocate the cougars.

“The survival rate of relocated lions is not very good,” he said.

“It’s too bad about the llamas, but at this point we think it is an isolated incident and the best thing we can do is back off.

“These lions have been here longer than man, and there hasn’t been a problem with lions killing livestock here in the past,” he said. Olson said Fish and Game will keep a close watch on the situation.

Markham decided he will not be boarding the llamas in that vicinity for now.

Cougar expert Maurice Hornocker said big predators have lived in the area for a long time without confrontations. He said the public should protect lions.

“It is a tribute to Dave Markham that he doesn’t want the lions killed,” Hornocker said.