A KOTA territory mountain lion caught by accident is going free.
The mountain lion was caught in a legal foothold trap in Dawes County.
Officers say the young female lion was tranquilized by officers and then released yesterday morning.
They say the lion weighed close to 85 pounds and appeared to be in good health.
This is the third unintentional trapping in the region this winter season.
Officers say high priced bobcat pelts have led to increased accidental captures of mountain lions in the county.