Golden
Residents Asked to Report Mountain Lion Sightings
A
second mountain lion encounter in Golden has prompted the Division of Wildlife
(DOW) to ask residents to report any sightings of lions in town.
The
foothills around Golden are natural lion habitat and DOW would like residents
near open space to be especially aware of their surroundings. Mountain Lions are active dusk to dawn.
Residents in lion country are strongly encouraged to:
-
Protect pets at all times, or keep them in a completely enclosed kennel.
-
Monitor children.
-
Do
not feed wildlife, especially deer, in this area. Discourage deer, elk and
other mountain lion prey from staying on your property.
-
When stepping outdoors, turn on lights, make noise, and be alert.
If you
encounter a lion:
-
Stay calm. Talk calmly yet firmly to it.
-
Stop or back away slowly if you can do so safely. Don’t run!
-
Do
all you can to appear larger—raise your arms, open your jacket if wearing
one.
-
Pick up small children with you so that they won’t panic and run.
-
If
you are attacked, fight back.
If any
resident has a lion encounter –involving unusual or aggressive lion behavior -
they should call 911 immediately. If caches (deer carcasses on which a lion might
be feeding) are located in or near residential areas they should contact the
DOW. Sightings may be called into the DOW at 303-291-7227. After business hours
wildlife officers in the Denver area are dispatched by CSP at (303)239-4501.
Wildlife officers are available 24/7.
For
more information on living in lion country, go to:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/LionCountry1.htm
The
Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing
wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The
Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and
Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
