CHADRON, Neb. (AP) — A mountain lion has been shot south of Chadron after a man observed it crouching in the grass about 20 yards from his home where two young children were on a patio.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says in a statement the 5-month-old female mountain lion was shot Saturday.

The man retrieved a rifle from the house and approached the animal, then shot it when it stood but did not flee. The mountain lion weighed about 30 pounds.

As required by law, the man immediately notified authorities after shooting the animal.

The Dawes County Sheriff’s Department investigated the incident and took possession of the animal. It was transferred to Nebraska Game and Parks officials Sunday.

Authorities determined the man acted within the law.