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Colorado Mountain Lions Visit Residential Areas
By PK | August 6, 2008
Mountain Lions are on the prowl and invading residential areas on the eastern slopes of the rockies. Two reports of these cats were recently documented, one in northern Boulder and the other in Idledale, about 14 miles southwest of Denver.
Early Sunday morning, Paul Shippey, of Boulder, in response to a noise he heard outside, went to investigate. He found a large male mountain lion feasting on a deer. The Colorado Division of Wildlife officers baited and trapped the mountain lion in a cage and relocated it.
A second invasion occurring in Idledale wasn’t a pleasant one. Homeowners awoke Monday morning to discover a mountain lion had entered their bedroom french doors, that were left ajar for a breeze. While they slept, the 130-pound mountain lion snatched one of the couple’s pet dogs, a 12-year old yellow Labrador.
The woman awoke about 4:30 am, got up out of bed, and seen something about a foot from her. She said to her husband, “There’s an animal in here,” and the big cat fled the scene dragging their beloved dog.
It’s not unusual for a mountain lion to venture into communities for an easy meal, but the fact that this big cat entered a house considered it to be a danger to other residents.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife caught and destroyed the mountain lion. Further testing will be done to determine if it had any diseases that could explain it’s aberrant behavior.
Play it safe if you live, hike, or camp near the foothills or anywhere in the lion habitat areas - be aware of what’s around you, make noise, use motion detector lights around your home, keep pets and children near you and doors closed.
According to statistics, mountain lions attacking people are increasing, though it is not very common, it does happen.
What should you do if you find yourself face to face with a mountain lion?
The general advice is to travel in groups, however, if you and your children encounter a mountain lion, stop and make yourself look big. Pick up one your children and put them on your shoulders to increase your size. Aggressively defend your position. Make the mountain lion think that this wouldn’t be an easy attack for him. Use branches or rocks as weapons if needed. You don’t want them to think you’re smaller prey and by running away will encourage an attack.
One fact to remember, is mountain lions usually lie in wait, and attack prey beneath them. They attack and kill by a bite to the back of the neck, severing the spinal cord. Always be aware of your surroundings, frequently checking higher up where mountain lions may exist.
Dalton always carry a loaded gun when we enjoy outdoor activities in the wild and I’m never far from him. He has taught me to observe everything around me as I hike, in front, in the rear and to my sides. I look up at the trees, and especially on top of large rocks.
Play it safe…be aware!
Photo courtesy of WL Miller - NPS Photo
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Topics: Colorado, Hiking, Camping, Fishing,, Wildlife and Hunting |
