FWP Confirms Pet Attacks, Warns of Wildlife in Montana

Two pets in Big Sky have been attacked this month, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. One was definitely a coyote. The other? Unknown. It could’ve been a mountain lion, or it could’ve been a badger with an attitude. Either way, both are reminders that when you live in a place where elk and Teslas rub shoulders, nature is still in charge.

Big Sky, Montana, isn’t exactly rural any longer. It’s where millionaires build “cabins” with more square footage than a high school gym. The report did not specify the pets in question, but if we were betting folks, it’s a fairly safe bet they are those tiny yappers that can be carried around in a purse. Not dissing Pomeranians, but they have been known to be yummy snacks for coyotes.

The Wild Doesn’t Follow Your HOA

Wildlife does not care that you’re paying $8,000 a month for mountain views. Fences don’t exist to coyotes, and neither do luxury SUVs, only opportunity. And sometimes that opportunity has a name like “Mr. Buttons.” FWP says pet encounters are more common than people realize, especially in towns that keep spreading into wild country.

Living in Montana Is Living With Wildlife

We put our homes where the predators like to eat, and then we are surprised when they refuse to leave. That’s the trade-off: views of mountains and wildlife sightings with a chance that your Yorkie will wind up on a trail cam as lunch.

The Montana Tradeoff

So yeah, it’s paradise, until something with teeth eats your pet. Hold onto your pets, leash up those walks, and maybe don’t name your dog “MEAT.”