A man in Buckeye, Arizona, shot and killed a mountain lion in self-defense after it attacked his dog and returned to stalk them. Wildlife officials confirmed the shooting was justified, and the dog sustained only minor injuries.

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BUCKEYE, AZ (2-minute read) — A late-night walk turned dangerous for a Buckeye man when a mountain lion attacked his dog and returned to stalk them again, prompting the man to fatally shoot the animal in self-defense.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, in the Verrado neighborhood, roughly 30 miles west of Phoenix, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Officials say the man was walking his dog when a mountain lion appeared and attacked. He managed to fight the animal off by kicking it and started heading home, but the mountain lion wasn’t done.

The mountain lion continued to follow the man and his dog, creeping closer as they made their way back. When the animal came too close for comfort a second time, the man fired a shot, killing the animal. Game and Fish officials later recovered the deceased animal and determined the shooting was justified. “The action was in self-defense and no citations were issued,” officials confirmed. Fortunately, the dog was not seriously harmed.

Wildlife Encounters on the Rise in Suburban Arizona

Encounters like this are becoming more common in Arizona, where rapid suburban expansion edges closer to wild habitats. The University of Arizona estimates there are 2,500 to 3,000 mountain lions in the state. While these big cats typically avoid humans, development increases the chances of run-ins.

“Mountain lions play a vital role in maintaining the balance of native ecosystems,” the university notes, but it warns that attacks, although rare, can be fatal. Experts recommend that if you encounter a mountain lion, you should not run. Instead, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly while giving the animal space to escape. Throwing rocks or sticks can also help deter the animal — just avoid bending down or turning your back.

This incident serves as a reminder that preparedness and awareness are key, especially for those living near wildlife corridors or walking pets after dark.

Safety Tip: When walking your dog in areas near wildlife, always carry a flashlight and consider legal means of self-defense, such as a lawfully carried firearm or bear spray. Stay alert, especially during dawn and dusk when predators are most active.