Southwest Colorado, like much of the rest of the state, is prime mountain lion country, which is a surprise to many residents and visitors. These powerful predators can be dangerous, but with a better understanding of their habitat, coexistence is possible. Lions are calm, quiet and elusive, generally. Remote, primitive country with plentiful deer and adequate cover is where lions are most commonly found. Conditions such as these exist in open spaces, mountain subdivisions and urban fringes. It is owing to this and other factors that lion/human interactions have been on the increase. People use hiking and running trails in lion habitat more and have a great awareness of the presence of these predators. Increases in deer populations and density and people moving into lion habitat should also be considered.

To reduce the risk of problems with mountain lions on or near your property follow some simple precautions.

When coming and going, make lots of noise, especially from dusk to dawn.

Install outside lighting to light areas so that you can see if a lion is present.

Closely supervise children when they play outside. Keep children in between dusk and dawn. Explain about the lions to your children.

Do not have vegetation that provides hiding places for lions – most especially around children's play areas.

Non-native plantings attract deer, which in turn attract lions. DON'T FEED ANY WILDLIFE!

Don't feed pets outside. Pet food attracts animals such as raccoons which attract lions. Bring pets in at night so they don't fall prey to lions.

Lions are inquisitive and may want to take a look inside outbuildings – so close all
outbuildings at night. Also place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night.

Encourage your neighbors to follow suit.

In the wild, mountain lions are rarely seen in more than a brief glimpse. In more than 100 years, fewer than a dozen fatalities have occurred owing to lion attacks. These attacks are
usually attributed to young lions forced out to hunt on their own and not yet living in established areas. Young lions tend to go for easy prey such a small children and pets. Although there have been no studies done to determine what to do when encountering a lion, based on observations by people who have come upon lions, there are some emerging patterns on behavior and response. Remember: every situation is different with respect to the lion, the terrain, the people and their activity.

Make plenty of noise and hike and walk in groups. This will reduce your chances of surprising a lion. Keep your children close to you and in your sight at all times (this could also apply to pets). Carry a sturdy walking stick. Teach your children of the danger of lions.

Never approach a lion. This is especially true with one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation, so allow them a way to escape.

Stay calm. When you come upon a lion, talk calmly yet firmly. Move slowly.

Stop. Back away slowly only if you can do so safely. It is possible that running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and remain upright.

Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms, open your jacket if you're wearing one, and by all means pick small children up so they won't panic and run. If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on and never turn your back or crouch. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and you may in fact be a danger to it.

Fight back. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have successfully fought back with caps or jackets, garden tools, rocks, sticks and even their bare hands. Remain standing or try to get back up.