A necropsy has determined that numerous farm animals found dead in Alpine on Feb. 19 were likely killed by a mountain lion and not by a person, the sheriff’s department said Friday.
Deputies were called from the Alpine sheriff’s substation on Feb. 19 by a rancher who discovered 10 farm animals were slain in a pen on the property in the 400 block of Peutz Valley Road.
The sheriff’s department informed the public in a press release about an animal cruelty investigation that was to determine how lambs, goats, and a ram were killed. A $1,000 reward was offered by Crime Stoppers.
A county veterinarian who performed necropsies determined they were likely killed by a mountain lion or some other large predator animal, said Sheriff’s Lt. Anthony O’Boyle.
There were other animals in another area on the ranch that were not harmed.
There have been no mountain lion sightings in the area, but the sheriff’s department urged residents to be aware of their surroundings out of an abundance of caution.
People with pets should make sure they remain indoors, especially at night. If you own livestock, make sure the pens are secure.
