Former NFL star Derek Wolfe has been slammed by fans on social media after posing for an Instagram picture with a 195lb mountain lion he had shot.
Wolfe ended a 10-year NFL career last season which included winning the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2015. The former defensive end now spends his time killing wild animals as part of a 'predator control' role.
This week the American revealed he had been called to shoot the mountain lion which had 'wreaked havoc' in a Colorado neighbourhood, killing two dogs and a deer. After shooting the animal with a bow and arrow he then carried the 195Ib lion back down a mountain, claiming that he fell from a 10-foot rock face in the process.
A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife told TMZ Sports that Wolfe had done everything required to legally shoot the animal. The organisation said that Wolfe has the required mountain lion hunting license and is in "good stead" with them.
"He was hiding under this lady's porch down the road," Wolfe said on his " The Drive " podcast. "She told us: 'Please get rid of him. He killed my dog last year.'"
Despite the explanation fans were shocked at the star shooting the mountain lion. @luisb.11 replied: "But why thoe..?" While @bxcashaholic added: "Poor cat rip."
Other fans took issue with the claim that the mountain lion was 'wreaking havoc in the neighbourhood'. Pedrito added: "Or did a neighbourhood wreak havoc on the lions habitat and it’s now just trying to survive."
He was supported by @onecelticgirl, who explained how dangerous mountain lions can be for children and animals. She added: "A mountain lion is the same thing as a cougar also called a puma in some places. A bobcat is considerably smaller and less dangerous to adults but can kill pets and small children.
"Relocation is something that requires Fish and Game to do and a place to relocate. This is the unfortunate consequence of human encroachment into wild habitat. It’s really sad. He was a beautiful cat. But if he’s not afraid of humans he is very dangerous."
