Nina Isaacs had the wildlife encounter of a lifetime when a beautiful cougar (AKA a mountain lion) came strolling by her Boulder, CO home.
Watch as the big cat struts around and investigates from the other side of a sliding glass door in the video below.
The cougar is scary, but undeniably stunning.
Check it out:
Colorado Parks & Wildlife estimates that 3,000-7,000 mountain lions live within the state.
Here’s more info about mountain lions/cougars:
“A lion’s natural life span is probably about 12 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. Lions are very powerful and usually kill large animals, such as deer and elk.
Natural enemies include other large predators such as bears, lions, and wolves. They also fall victim to accidents, disease, road hazards, and people.”
The US Forest Service recommends the following tips should you encounter a mountain lion in the wild:
- If you spot a mountain lion and the animal is unaware of you, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.
- Never approach a mountain lion especially one that is feeding or with kittens.
- Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Always give them a way to escape.
- Do not run. Remain calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly.
- Continue facing the mountain lion, and maintain eye contact.
- Do all you can to appear larger; Stand upright, raise your arms, raise your walking stick, open your jacket.
- If you have small children or pets with you, try to pick them up without turning away or bending over.
- Never bend over or crouch down, avoid looking like a four-legged prey animal . Again, Do not bend over to pick up a rock or stick off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a mountain lion.
- If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice, and throw objects like the water bottle in your hand. The goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself.
- Try to remain standing to protect your head and neck.
- If attacked, fight back!! Use rocks, jackets, sticks to turn away the mountain lions.
- Report any mountain lion encounters or incident to the local Ranger District, or Fish and Wildlife Office.