Sheriff Scott Childers in the past has discussed mountain lion sightings around Ray County and surrounding counties, including Lafayette County. There have been multiple issues and animal deaths regarding wild animal attacks on livestock. The most recent attack occurred in Orrick where cows had to be put down due to the severity of their injuries. Childers has been sharing this information to hopefully warn and protect livestock owners from these dangers to their cows, domestic animals and even themselves. Although Childers believes in the possibility of a mountain lion, Missouri Conservation Agent Jason Braunecker said the evidence shows harm from dogs or coyotes but does believe there could be a chance of a large cat in the area. However, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has confirmed numerous mountain lions in Missouri since the department began keeping records. Those animals migrated here from western states. Young males typically leave their birth areas seeking…