Mountain Lion Breaks into Colorado Pet Store—Catnip to Blame?
In an incident straight out of a Hollywood script, a mountain lion was caught on camera prowling through a Colorado pet store late Tuesday night. Witnesses suspect the wild feline may have been hunting for an unexpected prize—catnip.
The Unusual Break-In
The incident occurred at Paws & Claws Pet Emporium in Boulder, Colorado, just after midnight. Security footage shows the large cat slipping through a partially open back door, its eyes glowing under emergency lights. For 20 minutes, the mountain lion explored aisles, knocking over pet food before fixating on the catnip section.
“It bee-lined for the catnip and even tore open a bag,” said store manager Lisa Hammond. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Do Mountain Lions Like Catnip? Experts Respond
Wildlife biologists acknowledge that big cats, like domestic felines, may be drawn to nepetalactone—the active compound in catnip.
“Mountain lions have strong senses of smell,” said Dr. Raj Patel, a carnivore specialist. “If the scent was potent enough, it could have intrigued the animal. Still, this is highly unusual behavior.”
Are Wild Animals Attracted to Human Products?
This isn’t the first case of wildlife reacting to catnip:
- A 2019 Montana bobcat was filmed rolling in wild catnip.
- Bears and raccoons have raided cars for gum and energy drinks.
“Animals are adapting to human environments in strange ways,” Dr. Patel noted.
Store’s Response: Preventing Future Wildlife Visits
Paws & Claws has since reinforced doors and added motion-sensor lights. Authorities also urge residents to secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife.
Why Human-Wildlife Encounters Are Increasing
As urban areas expand, interactions like this may become more frequent. Experts stress caution and respect when sharing spaces with wild animals.
“This lion was likely just curious,” said Dr. Patel, “but it’s a reminder of our shared habitat.”
The Mystery of the “Catnip Bandit”
The mountain lion vanished, leaving behind paw prints and a baffled pet store team. Was it truly after catnip? The debate continues—but one thing’s certain: Boulder won’t forget this story anytime soon.
