Study reveals California mountain lions have been eating house pets

Personnel from the California Department of Fish And Wildlife recently made a rather alarming discovery.

It appears mountain lions in the state have been increasingly eating house pets, reports SFGate.

The stomachs of roughly 80 legally killed wild felines were examined, and over 50% of them contained domestic animal remains, most often from cats and dogs.

See photos of mountain lions:

Deer, which is typically the mountain lion's favorite meal, was only found in 5% of the organs analyzed.

Andrew Hughan, a spokesperson for the department commented, "As a pet owner you have a responsibility for the safety of that animal, especially if you live in open space or wild animal habitat. When out walking, keep it on a leash or keep a very close eye, look around, above and behind you for wild animals."

Authorities also advise people be on the lookout for coyotes, another creature known to prey on pets.

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