LOVELAND, Colo., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- A couple raising llamas and alpacas in southeastern Colorado say they have lost four animals this year to mountain lions.
Keith and Georgina Minto told the Loveland Reporter-Herald this is the first time they have had problems with the elusive predators. But local wildlife officials say there is no sign of unusual mountain lion activity this year.
Jennifer Churchill, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, said mountain lions mostly go after elk and deer. But she said ranchers occasionally lose livestock.
"It happens every year," she added.
Local wildlife officials set a mountain lion trap at the Mintos' ranch after they reported two animals killed two weeks ago. The trap yielded no mountain lions.
Mountain lions, also known as pumas, cougars and panthers, are native to Colorado. They are rarely seen and attacks on humans are even rarer.
Wildlife experts advised the Mintos to keep their alpacas and llamas inside at night. They are currently building a barn and have bought a couple of puppies from a dog breed used in Turkey to keep wolves away from livestock.
Keith Minto, currently sleeping in a camper next to his herd, says he has nothing against mountain lions but will shoot any he spots attacking the llamas and alpacas.
"I'd just as soon it live but not on my property," he said.
