Colorado is home to a rich variety of wildlife. This diversity often sparks public interest in the state’s larger predators, prompting questions about their presence and characteristics. Understanding these animals and their natural environments helps foster coexistence within Colorado’s expansive landscapes.
Clarifying Colorado’s Large Cats
African lions, the iconic big cats of the savanna, are not native to Colorado. The large feline predator found throughout the state is the mountain lion, also known as a cougar, puma, or panther. This naming confusion stems from early European explorers who encountered the animal in the Americas and often referred to it as “leon” (lion) or “gato monte” (cat of the mountain), leading to the common vernacular “mountain lion.” The mountain lion is the same species, Puma concolor, boasting the widest geographic range of any wild land mammal in the Americas.
Understanding Mountain Lion Characteristics
Mountain lions are powerfully built, slender cats with a distinctive tawny to light cinnamon coloration, often with a paler underside. Their short, coarse fur can range from reddish to buffy, and some individuals may appear grayish depending on the climate. A defining feature is their long, graceful tail, which can measure up to one-third of their total body length and is tipped with black. Adult males are larger than females, weighing an average of 130 to 150 pounds and reaching lengths of over six feet, while females typically weigh 80 to 100 pounds and can be up to seven feet long.
These adaptable predators inhabit much of Colorado’s foothills, mountains, and mesa country, particularly in areas with dense vegetation like piñon pine, juniper, ponderosa pine, and oak brush. They are most abundant where their primary food source, deer, is plentiful. Mountain lions are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists solely of meat, and they primarily hunt deer. They also prey on elk and smaller mammals such as porcupines, rabbits, and raccoons.
Coexisting with Mountain Lions
While mountain lion attacks are rare, encounters can occur, especially as human populations expand into their habitat. To minimize the risk of encounters, supervise children and pets closely, particularly during dawn and dusk when mountain lions are most active. Hiking in groups and making noise can help avoid surprising a mountain lion, as they generally prefer to avoid human contact.
If you encounter a mountain lion, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger their chase instinct. Instead, stand your ground, face the animal, and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, or picking up small children without bending over. Speak firmly and loudly to deter the animal. If the mountain lion behaves aggressively or attacks, fight back with any available objects, aiming for the head or neck, as fighting back has been successful in deterring attacks.