Colorado mountain lion series#

CPW also offers a Mountain Lion Education & Identification Course see their website for details. The videos provide a fascinating look at this intriguing species.ДЇor more tips from CPW, see their вЂњLiving with Wildlife: Mountain LionsвЂќ website and Living with Lionsbrochure.

Colorado mountain lion series#

The other videos in the series explore mountain lion biology and management human expansion into lion habitat and hunting. Report sightings to Colorado Parks & WildlifeД®ach of these tips is explained in more detail in Episode 4.If you have a mountain home, donвЂ™t attract deer вЂ“ because deer attract lions.Carry bear spray or air horns as possible deterrents.If you are attacked, fight back as best you can.Make noise and make yourself look big and tough (hold out your arms, etc.).So, what should you do if you encounter a mountain lion on the hiking trail, or in your backyard? Episode 4 of Colorado Parks & WildlifeвЂ™s new video series, Mountain Lions in Colorado,provides helpful tips, including: According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, there have been twenty-five mountain lion attacks on humans since 1990 вЂ“ but four of these have occurred in the last two years, suggesting that they are becoming more common. While mountain lions tend to be elusive and solitary, interactions with humans are becoming more common due to increases in outdoor recreation and development of lionsвЂ™ traditional habitats.

Today, lion hunting is still allowed but must follow state regulations. After decades of hunting reduced lion populations significantly, they were given protected status in Colorado in 1965. Historically, mountain lions were seen as a nuisance species in the state, with the reputation of being dangerous to humans and livestock. A mountain lion in Teller County, Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) estimates that 58,822 square miles, roughly 57 percent of the state is suitable mountain lion habitat. Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates the stateвЂ™s lion population at about 4,000 animals, located mainly in areas where their favorite food sources, deer and elk, are plentiful.

Mountain lions вЂ“ also commonly referred to as cougar, puma, or panther вЂ“ are ColoradoвЂ™s biggest felines, weighing on average between 95 and 160 pounds.