Living with Wildlife
Living with Mountain Lions
These powerful predators, also known as cougars, panthers, and pumas, are a crucial part of the state’s ecosystem. In Colorado, the projected statewide population size of independent lions (not including kittens) is around 3,800-4,400.
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.
People are most likely to see this elusive species via technology like home and trail cameras, but must understand that in much of the state, people are living, hiking, hunting, biking and running in mountain lion habitat.
With a better understanding of lions we can learn to peacefully coexist with them.
Mountain Lion Behavior
Understanding Habitat and Potential Signs of Lions
Much of Colorado, including the Front Range, is home to mountain lions. In Colorado, lions are found in areas of piñon pine, juniper, mountain mahogany, ponderosa pine, and oak brush.
Lions have different home range sizes, from 10 to 370 square miles, with females and young kittens using the smallest areas and adult males occupying the largest. The size of their territory is influenced by the terrain and food availability. Lions generally are most abundant in areas with plentiful deer.
Male lions mark their home range boundaries with scrapes - piles of dirt and twigs - to communicate occupancy to other lions. If you see these telltale scrapes, avoid the area and make family and nearby neighbors aware of potential lions in the area.
Breeding
Breeding can take place throughout the year, but most females give birth between April and July, following a three-month gestation period. Females give birth to an average of two to three young in a cycle.
Hunting and Feeding
- Mountain lions are most active from dusk to dawn, although they travel and hunt in daylight.
- They prefer deer but also hunt elk, porcupines, small mammals, livestock, and domestic animals.
- Mountain lions stalk prey and attack with a rush, often from behind. Their powerful bite crushes the windpipe of their prey or breaks the neck during a kill.
- Mountain lions drag the carcass to a sheltered spot, covering it with dirt, leaves, or snow. They may return to feed on it over the course of a few days. Generally, they move the carcass and re-cover it after each feeding.
- When they are feeding, mountain lions can be dangerous to people.
- Mountain lions that have been fed by people or appear "tame" may unexpectedly become aggressive.
Signs of Aggression
- Crouched
- Tail twitching
- Hind feet pumping in preparation to jump
- Eyes locked on you
- Ears forward
- Feet underneath them
What do you do if you encounter a lion?
If you encounter a mountain lion: Walk or hike in groups, making noise to avoid surprising a lion. Carry a sturdy walking stick and keep children close. Never approach a feeding mountain lion or one with kittens. Give them an escape route. Speak calmly, move slowly, and avoid running. Raise your arms, open your jacket, and pick up small children or pets to make yourself appear larger.
If the lion behaves aggressively, throw objects, wave your arms, and speak firmly. If the lion does not leave the area, face the lion and slowly back away. Fight back if attacked. People have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands.
How is livestock and game damage from lions handled?
Under current laws and regulations, lions are managed as big game, just like elk or deer and CPW is responsible for using agency funds to reimburse landowners for documented game damage. This could be livestock including sheep, horse, cattle, llamas and other animals. Annual statewide calendar year lion damage payments averaged around $50,000 the last 3 years.
Tips for Living with Mountain Lions
Avoid Attracting Mountain Lions to Your Home
Do not attract deer to your yard, even in urban areas, as this is the mountain lions' main food source.
When taking your pets outside, keep them on a leash.
Be extra vigilant during mornings and evenings.
Eliminate hiding places like bushes and tall grassy areas.
If you find a dead deer covered or hidden, it might be a mountain lion kill, so avoid the area.
Crossing Paths with Mountain Lions
Walk or hike in groups, making noise to avoid surprising a lion. Carry a sturdy walking stick and keep children and pets close.
Never approach a feeding mountain lion or one with kittens. Give them an escape route. Speak calmly, move slowly, and avoid running. Raise your arms, open your jacket, and pick up small children or pets to make yourself appear larger.
Protecting Pets from Mountain Lions
When recreating in the backcountry consider leaving the dog at home. If your dog is with you, keep it on a short (6 foot) leash when on trails. If your dog is loose, keep it in visual/auditory range and vocalize frequently, including the use of whistles, bells or beeping collars. Loose dogs should be trained not to chase or approach wildlife and to return on commands.
Avoid known or potential den sites and thick vegetation. Pick up small pets if confronted by wildlife.
At home, always supervise your pet when outside, especially at dawn or dusk when most wildlife are active. If you must leave your pet outside, secure it in a fully enclosed kennel. Don't feed pets outside or leave pet food outside.
Living with Mountain Lion
Can Landowners Lethally Remove a Mountain Lion?
Mountain lions cannot be killed when they are causing damage to personal property, including pets. Only when it is necessary to prevent a mountain lion from inflicting death or injury to livestock, human life, real property or motor vehicle can a mountain lion be killed. If you kill a mountain lion, you are required to report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife within five days. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will investigate to confirm lethal action was necessary.
Living with Wildlife
Who Do You Call About an Aggressive Mountain Lion?
Lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than a dozen deaths 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 and looking for easy prey. Remember: Every situation is different with respect to the lion, the terrain, the people, and their activity.
If you have an encounter with a mountain lion or an attack occurs, immediately contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Before or after these hours, contact the Colorado State Patrol or your local Sheriff's department.