Mountain Lion Sighting Within Ulysses City Limits

Managing Editor/Publisher

If you've ever wondered who is prowling around at night, perhaps a security camera holds the answer.

"So last night we had a 'big visitor'," wrote Ulysses resident Chelsea Hennigh on her social media page Sunday, later adding another post, "Sunday morning we were told neighbors heard a noise in the alley, then dogs start barking."

After checking their security cameras, Hennigh was able to determine who the culprit was. Cameras picked up the "big kitty" wandering down a fence line and then sauntering around vehicles.

Local authorities were notified and posted their own response to the late night visitor.

"Ulysses Police Department is aware of the recent sighting of a mountain lion just inside the city limits," their post states. "Ulysses Police Department is in contact with and currently working with our local game wardens. If you see or come across this or any large wildlife, leave it alone, do not approach it and contact the Ulysses Police Department."

Ulysses Chief of Police Ron Vagher said they have had possible sightings of the lion since, but have no evidence as yet to prove it is still in the area.

"We are monitoring the situation with extra patrol right now," he said. "I encourage everyone to call if they see something, but do not approach the animal."

If officers do locate the lion, Vagher said they will contact the game warden as they are the ones who have the knowledge and expertise to handle these types of situations.

According to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, mountain lion sightings in residential areas of southwest Kansas are rare, but recent increases in sightings have prompted authorities to urge residents to exercise caution. While mountain lions are not common in residential areas, they have been documented in Kansas, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks investigates all reports.

According to a spokesperson, "Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) investigates all reports to confirm the presence of mountain lions and determine if they are residents (living in a specific area) or just passing through."