Living With Wildlife in Lion Country

Natural Resources & Environment>Mt. Lions

Mt. Lion [Click here to view full size picture]

Mt. Lions At A Glance

Much of Colorado, including Routt County, is prime mountain lion country. This simple fact is a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on plentiful deer and playing an important role in the ecosystem.

You may live in or recreate in lion country. Like any wildlife, mountain lions can be dangerous. With a better understanding of mountain lions and their habitat, we can coexist with these magnificent animals.

Learning About Mt. Lions
Mt. Lion Encounters - What to Do

Learning About Mt. Lions

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The lion’s scientific name, Felis concolor, means "cat of one color." Mountain lions in this area are usually tawny to light-cinnamon in color with black-tipped ears and tail.

Mountain lions vary in size and weight, with males being larger than females. Adult males may be more than 8 feet in length and weight an average of 150 pounds. Adult females may be up to 7 feet long and weight an average of 90 pounds.

Mountain lions are easily distinguished from other wild cat species in Colorado. Lions are much larger than lynx or bobcats and have a long tail, which may measure one-third of their total, length.

Mt. Lion Drawing - Courtesey of CDOW [Click here to view full size picture]

Mt. Lion Encounters - What to Do

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU MEET A MOUNTAIN LION

People rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a mountain lion in the wild. Lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than a dozen fatalities in North America in more than 100 years. Most of the attacks were by young lions, perhaps forced out to hunt on their own and not yet living in established areas. Young lions may key in on easy prey, like pets and small children.

No studies have been done to determine what to do if you meet a lion. But based on observations by people who have come upon lions, some patterns of behavior and response are beginning to emerge. With this in mind, the following suggestions may be helpful.

Remember: Every situation is different with respect to the lion, the terrain , the people and their activity.

When you walk or hike in mountain lion country, go in groups and make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion.

A sturdy walking stick is a good idea; it can be used to ward off a lion.

Make sure children are close to you and within your sight at all times. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.

Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens.

Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.

STAY CALM when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it. Move slowly.

STOP OR BACK SLOWLY, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright.

DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won’t panic and run.

If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and that you may in fact be a danger to the lion.

FIGHT BACK if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps, or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get back up!

Mt. Lion Kitten [Click here to view full size picture]