Winter is here, and mountain lion activity is expected to increase in Colorado. Activity near town and populated areas becomes more common during the colder months as mountain lions head to lower elevations to find food. Though mountain lion sightings and pet depredation do occur in Boulder, the risk to humans is extremely low.
Be Aware of Mountain Lions
We encourage community members to take precautions and be prepared if they encounter a mountain lion. Here are a few tips on what to do if you encounter a mountain lion and how to discourage lions from visiting your property:
Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape. Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly and firmly to it.
Stop or back away slowly if you can do so 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.
To reduce the risk of problems with mountain lions on or near your property: Install outdoor lighting. Do not leave pets outside unattended, especially in the dark, dusk or dawn.Supervise children when outdoors. Make your yard less attractive. Remove access to potential food sources, including pets and livestock.
Mountain lions have been a part of the Front Range ecosystem for thousands of years. They are both territorial and solitary. When a mountain lion establishes its territory, it is often the only lion in that area. Relocation and removal of lions from the city is reserved for individual animals that pose a direct threat to humans through
abnormal or aggressive behavior.
To report a mountain lion sighting in Boulder, call (303) 297-1192 or your city wildlife department or the state wildlife department or even the animal humane society.