Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are present in the Colorado Springs area. The city’s location along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains means human development interfaces directly with the natural habitat of these large predators. As a top predator, their presence is a natural function of the local ecosystem. Residents and visitors must understand how to coexist safely with these powerful animals.
Why Colorado Springs is Suitable Habitat
Mountain lions thrive in the foothills environment, an ecological transition zone abundant near Colorado Springs. This region, characterized by canyons, mesas, and brushy woodlands, provides the dense cover necessary for their stealthy hunting and resting periods. The expansive Pike National Forest and numerous open space parks surrounding the city serve as large, connected corridors and home ranges for these solitary cats.
The primary factor supporting the mountain lion population is the reliable prey base, particularly mule deer and white-tailed deer. An adult mountain lion requires a substantial amount of meat, often consuming one deer every week to maintain its condition. The abundance of deer and elk makes the Colorado Springs landscape a highly desirable habitat. Individual lions have large home ranges, sometimes spanning from 10 to nearly 400 square miles, depending on the availability of food and cover.
Recognizing Mountain Lion Activity
Mountain lions are naturally elusive and rarely seen, but their presence can be inferred by recognizing specific signs of activity, especially near the urban fringe. Lions are most active between dusk and dawn, which is when they travel and hunt. Residents near trails, open space parks, and wooded creek beds should be particularly vigilant during these hours, as this is the most likely time for an encounter.
Physical evidence often includes distinct tracks, typically three to five inches wide, which generally lack visible claw marks (unlike canine prints). Scat is also an indicator, characterized by its large size (an inch or more in diameter) and the presence of undigested hair and bone fragments. The most definitive sign is a cached kill, where a carcass (usually deer) has been covered with dirt, leaves, or needles for future feedings.
Strategies for Safe Coexistence
The most effective approach to living in mountain lion country involves removing attractants from residential properties. Since deer are the lion’s staple food source, residents should avoid landscaping or feeding practices that draw deer near their homes. This also includes not leaving pet food or garbage accessible outside, as these attract smaller prey animals, which in turn attract mountain lions.
Securing pets is a necessary precaution, particularly small dogs and cats, which can be seen as easy prey. Always supervise pets when they are outside, especially during the peak activity hours of morning and evening. If a pet must be left outdoors, secure it within a fully enclosed kennel or a covered, protected area. Eliminating dense, brushy vegetation near the house reduces potential hiding places, making the yard less appealing as a stalking area.
Knowing how to react during an actual encounter is important for safety. If you see a mountain lion, remain calm, speak firmly, and move slowly to back away; never run, as this can trigger a chase response. Immediately pick up small children and pets, and try to appear larger by raising your arms or opening your jacket. If the lion acts aggressively, fight back with all your strength, using any available object like rocks, sticks, or your hands.