This picture surfaced recently of three Mountain Lions out strolling together in broad daylight. There are conflicting stories as to where the picture was taken. I have read several accounts stating it was captured in the parking lot at the popular White Ranch Open Space here in the Front Range just north of Golden. Others also believe it was shot from a private residence in the same general area. Regardless of the location, timing and even authenticity of the image it serves as good reminder of what we already know: Mountain Lions live in the Front Range foot hills! The trails we ride, run and hike snake through their homes.
As apex predators Mountain Lions play important roles in the eco-system of the Front Range and other areas in which they exist. They are largely solitary, nocturnal creatures and as a result contact with humans is rare but not unheard of. Recently in the northern section of Boulder abutting the foot hills a young lion was tranqualized and re-located after eating a domesticated cat. Incidents such as this are occurring more frequently in the Front Range and other wildland-urban interface areas as human populations further push into once undisturbed big-cat habitats.
When traveling within areas known to contain Mountain Lions it is important to be aware of the proper steps to take if a big cat is encountered. The City of Boulder provides a helpful write-up entitled What to Do If you Meet a Lion. They also provide a link for reporting sightings which provides vital information to researchers tracking lion populations in the area.
While all trail users in lion country should be prepared and educated, the chances of an encounter, let alone an attack, are very small. Clearly, getting in the car and driving to the trail head is far more dangerous than venturing into Mountain Lion habitat.
I grew up recreating in the prime lion territories of California and have logged countless trail hours both there and here in the Front Range. After all these years I was finally treated to sighting last fall. As dusk was just turning into darkness I was turning onto the top portion of Boulder’s Creek Path on my mountain bike. One hundred yards in front of me sitting right in the center of the path was the unmistakable silhouette of a big cat. I instantly stopped , got off the bike and slowly walked backward they way I had come. The Lion made no moves toward me but also showed no sign of fear or intentions of yielding the path. It appeared as if the animal was just crossing the path for a drink from the creek when I showed up. The encounter left me a little shaken but also in awe of the majesty of these animals and the fact that they still co-exist with our noisy civilization. I feel fortunate to have seen the cat I hope that others get the same opportunity while maintaining a healthy respect and knowledge of how to travel through their lands in as safe a manner as possible.
More information regarding Mountain Lions and their need for protection can be found through The Mountain Lion Foundation
