Mountain lions spotted on East Lakeshore

A pair of mountain lions were spotted roaming the East Lakeshore Drive neighborhood Monday evening.

Roaring Creek Road resident Randy Carlson was plowing his driveway when the lions approached within 50 feet of where he was working. Nervous about their close proximity, Carlson used his snowblower to spray snow at the lions and scare them away.

This is the fourth lion Carlson has sighted in the area.

Residents are encouraged to call police if they spot a lion in town. The local police number is 863-2420.

Mountain lions are very common in Whitefish, notes lion specialist Jim Williams with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell.

Lions are typically out between dusk and dawn.

Residents who see a cat in an urban area should slowly back away, and be sure not to excite the animal. If it attacks, act aggressively, Williams says.