Lion decides to play through at Mont. golf course

[June 28, 2010]  BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) -- Golfers at a western Montana golf course faced a hazard with real teeth -- and claws -- when a mountain lion decided to play through.

Golfers said they spotted the elusive predator while teeing off at Valley View Golf Club Friday morning in Bozeman.

Bozeman animal control officer Kathy Middleton said the lion was first sighted near Aspen Pointe senior living center before other callers later saw it at the golf course.

Joe Knarr with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said the agency has been receiving calls about lions all through the south of town. He said mountain lions sightings are common in the area, though there have been more reports this year than previous years.

Middleton said the lion spotted Friday most likely was just passing through.

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Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/

[Associated Press]

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