False Claims of Mountain Lion’s Catnip Adventure in Colorado Springs
Claim: A mountain lion allegedly broke into a Colorado Springs pet store and rolled around in catnip on May 4, 2022.
Rating: False
In a bizarre tale that has captured social media’s imagination, a rumor has circulated claiming an adventurous mountain lion found its way into a local pet store, drawn by the alluring scent of catnip. The story grabbed attention after being posted on the Facebook page StoryTime, receiving over 192,000 reactions. As picturesque as this scenario sounds, a closer look reveals it’s entirely fabricated.
The heart of the rumor describes a scene where the mountain lion supposedly prowled through the aisles of the store, specifically ignoring dog food and birdseed to reach the catnip section. Upon discovering this delightful treasure, the big cat reportedly rolled in the catnip like a playful housecat.
However, rigorous fact-checking by Snopes and other sources found no credible evidence to support this event, despite various online posts and viral images trying to lend authenticity to the claim. The promised "security footage" was never made available, and searches for related news yielded no credible stories. Surprisingly, the earliest appearance of this mountain lion tale on social media can be traced back to September 2025, three years after the alleged incident, raising eyebrows about its credibility.
Additionally, the images connected to the claim were deemed suspicious, with evidence suggesting they may have been altered. This highlights how quickly misinformation can spread in today’s digital age.
A Reflection on Curiosity and Caution
As Christians, such scenarios remind us of the importance of discernment in our lives. Proverbs 18:15 states, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." This verse encourages us to not only seek the truth but also apply wisdom when we encounter captivating stories that may sound too good to be true.
In our day-to-day interactions—whether in conversations, online posts, or even the stories we tell—we can reflect Jesus’ teachings of honesty and integrity. It’s paramount to ground our discourse in truth, respecting both ourselves and our neighbors.
Encouragement for the Journey Ahead
Misinformation can often lead to confusion and unnecessary distraction. However, this situation invites us to cultivate a spirit of curiosity grounded in reality, reminding us that not everything that glitters is gold. As we navigate the complexities of social narratives, let us strive to be stewards of truth, sharing stories that uplift and build one another.
As you go forth today, consider the stories you engage with—how do they align with principles of truth, compassion, and understanding? Reflect on the consciousness you carry into your conversations. Remember, "Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’” (James 5:12), urging us toward a life of authenticity.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired App. Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
