Colorado Springs Pet Store Welcomes Unexpected Visitor: Mountain Lion Goes Wild Over Catnip
Colorado Springs residents woke up to a story stranger than fiction this week when a 150-pound mountain lion was found lounging comfortably inside a local pet store—choosing to indulge not in prey, but in catnip.
A Wild Night in the Toy Aisle
Staff arrived early one morning, expecting the usual start to the day. Instead, they were stunned to discover a mountain lion sprawled amid squeaky toys, bags of pet food, and pet supplies. Security footage revealed how the stealthy predator slipped past locked doors and security systems overnight, silently navigating aisles without causing alarm.
But the real surprise came when the mountain lion made an unusual detour straight to the catnip aisle. The big cat toppled a bag, tore it open, and seemed utterly enchanted, rolling around and rubbing its face into the aromatic leaves—as if it were the world’s largest, most content housecat.
Wildlife Experts Weigh In
Wildlife officers were promptly called to safely coax the groggy feline outside and relocate it to nearby foothills. Experts explained that while mountain lions typically don’t react to catnip the way domestic cats do, the scent might trigger curiosity or playful behavior in rare cases.
“It’s definitely unusual, but nature is full of surprises,” said one local biologist. The pet store owner, balancing amusement with relief, quipped, “Colorado is famous for plants that make people feel good… now I guess the wildlife is getting in on the fun.”
Viral Sensation and Local Reaction
The footage quickly went viral, sparking laughter and wonder across social media as viewers marveled at the unexpected sight of a wild predator “shopping” for catnip. Locals found themselves entertained but also reminded of the thin line separating urban life and untamed wilderness.
Conclusion
What began as a routine morning in Colorado Springs turned into a surreal wildlife story—one that brought a mountain lion and catnip together in a moment of unexpected whimsy. While the big cat has since been safely returned to its natural habitat, the image of it blissfully “catnapping” in a pet store aisle will linger, delighting and surprising the community for years to come.