LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Officers with the New Mexico Game and Fish Department went door to door explaining to residents how to protect themselves from mountain lions.

They said they recommend not leaving pets outside or allowing small children out after dark.

The rural neighborhood near highway 70 and Interstate 25 is an unlikely place to find a mountain lion, but one family reported witnessing their poodle being attacked and killed.

Neighbors said they're nervous and will heed the warnings.

“It's scary because I have two dogs and my mom takes care of little kids,” said one neighboring resident, Yvette Perez.

Perez said she's now planning on keeping her dogs in the garage until she feels her neighborhood is clear.

“Oh they stay outside and then if they see a car or something they'll stay outside and they'll be barking so if I hear them barking that's going to scare me,” said Perez

The Game and Fish Department set up a trap to prevent future kills.

“It's a live trap which means he'll be caught live. We can't use bait because we're afraid we're going to get domestic animals in there. We’re going to try to use something like a call that will make him curious and come into the trap,” said LuAnn Tafoya, information and outreach officer with the New Mexico Game and Fish Department. Officers said the mountain lion was probably establishing its territory.

“Mountain lions can come in under intestates through the underpasses in the canals and that's how they're getting in here,” said Tafoya.

While other neighbors said they'll be extra cautious with their children, they also said their condolences go to the family who lost their poodle.

“It's pretty scary. I feel sad for the family. I'm pretty sure they loved that animal,” said Nicolas Flores.

The Game and Fish Department said if you face a mountain lion, don't turn your back, instead raise your arms and look as large as possible. If you can convince if you are dominant, they said, it can be driven away.