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Environment

California Warden Shoots, Kills Mountain Lion

COLFAX, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities plan to perform a necropsy on a mountain lion that was shot and killed by a California Fish and Wildlife warden in Placer County over the weekend.

The warden had gone to the area near Colfax on Sunday to post signs warning hikers about a mountain lion sighting there a day earlier when he noticed the animal.

Fish and wildlife spokesman Mark Michilizzi tells the Sacramento Bee the mountain lion appeared prepared to pounce on the warden, who then shot and killed it.

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Michilizzi called the warden's actions appropriate, saying the mountain lion was a risk to the warden and the public.

A necropsy is planned to try to help officials determine what may have prompted the animal's behavior. Mountain lions rarely attack humans.