Residents have reported spotting three mountain lions on multiple occasions since mid-December in the Edgemont Meadows subdivision northeast of Durango.
Resident Stephanie Kirk said she has not seen the big cats but feels more uneasy since the sightings began.
“It’s unsettling for sure,” Kirk said.
She said she’s been more cautious, avoiding walks around dusk, when mountain lions tend to be more active.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman John Livingston said it’s not unusual for mountain lions to be near subdivisions or developed areas.
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“This is not uncommon, and is even more common in the winter months when lions follow their primary prey source, deer, to lower elevations,” Livingston said in an email to The Durango Herald. “Lions often move into more developed spaces in the night and retreat away from those spaces at dawn.”
CPW identified the lions as being one female and two subadults.
Livingston advised residents to be extra aware when outside. While it is uncommon for mountain lions to attack humans, there are ways to reduce risk.
“We have advised the residents of our ‘living with mountain lions,’” Livingston said. “We also always remind the public that it is illegal to feed deer in Colorado and that doing so can bring the undesired presence of lions.”
CPW’s official Living with Mountain Lions guidance emphasizes being extra aware of one’s surroundings.
“Avoid wearing earphones or other devices that limit your senses,” Livingston said.
CPW recommends staying alert in the morning and evening, recreating in groups, making lots of noise and keeping pets on a leash. Additionally, clearing grassy areas and trimming low-hanging tree limbs can reduce hiding spots for mountain lions, which are ambush predators.
If someone crosses paths with a mountain lion, CPW recommends making a lot of noise and raising their arms above their head to appear larger. Throwing rocks and sticks at the lion is also recommended.
“If you see a lion, make a lot of noise, raise your arms to look big, back away slowly and do not run. Throw rocks or other objects at the lion,” Livingston said. “Be prepared to fight back, a lion may be deterred if it perceives a threat.”
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
