Mountain lions are common but elusive animals in our area. Lions generally avoid being seen by people, but it’s not uncommon for them to live in and around urban and suburban areas. Lions can be attracted to neighborhoods that support deer and other wildlife that they consider food. Unfortunately, they can see our pets as possible prey items as well. It’s important to learn basic mountain lion safety in case you come face to face with one of these powerful creatures. 

 

Reduce the chance of a mountain lion visiting your property 

 

• Don’t give a lion good hiding cover near your home: keep landscaping, especially around the kid’s play area, open so that a lion can’t easily hide and can easily be seen approaching. 
• Plant deer resistant plants and shrubs to reduce the number of deer in and around your property. 
• Keep pets from roaming. 
• For hobby farms, keep livestock in a secure barn at night. 
• Don’t let kids play outdoors without supervision during low light hours. 

 

Reduce the chance of running into a lion in the field 

 

Tribal members, employees and community members like to walk along the river trail, the Bear Trail and Scott’s Pond. These are all areas where mountain lions have been seen in the past. Take basic precautions: 

• Walk or run in pairs or groups. 

• Make noise / talk loudly. 
• Avoid walking in these areas early in the morning or late in the day. 
• Keep kids or pets within arm’s reach. 

  

Reading mountain lion body language 

 

Mountain lions have nearly identical body language to your house cat. It’s helpful to understand a cat’s body language to give you an idea of their next move and yours. 

 

Concerning Behavior: 

• A mountain lion doesn’t immediately flee when spotted. 
• The lion has its ears up and is watching you closely. 
• If after it is seen the lion continually disappears and reappears in different places with eyes on you. 

 

Alarming Behavior: 

• Moves closer (less than 50yds) and into a hiding position. 
• Ears are laid back and staring intently at you. 
• Tail twitching. 
• Hind feet pumping in anticipation of a pounce. 

  

How should you respond? 

• Stay calm. 
• If you have a child, or small pet, pick them up immediately to keep them from spooking and running. 
• Make yourself look as big as possible; raise your arms, put your jacket up above your head. 
• Back away slowly. 
• Grab something you could use as a weapon if needed. 
• Never take your eyes off the lion, you want to know where it is at all times. 
• Be prepared to fight if needed! 

  

  

When to call: 

• If you see a mountain lion in close proximity to people or near places people typically gather. 
• If you suspect a lion has killed livestock or a pet. 

 

Who to call: 

• The Southern Ute Wildlife Division 970-563-0130 during regular business hours. 
• Tribal Dispatch/Tribal Rangers/SUPD 970-563-4401 during off hours and weekends.