Residents and pet owners in Colorado’s Jefferson County are urged to stay alert and take extra precautions after two confirmed and one suspected mountain lion attacks on pets within the past month.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the two confirmed incidents occurred within about six miles of one another near South Deer Creek Road and Pleasant Park Road. Mountain lions are common in Colorado’s foothills and mountain areas, being most active at dawn, dusk, and after dark. These recent incidents all took place during these times.
To reduce the risk of conflicts between pets and wildlife, pet owners are encouraged to supervise their animals closely when outdoors, especially around dawn, dusk and nighttime. Pets should always be leashed, and owners should stay alert while on trails. Outdoor lighting installed on homes can discourage wildlife from approaching unnoticed, but pets should still be brought indoors whenever possible.
Taking these preventative steps and staying alert helps protect both pets and wildlife. Keep leashes on, turn on outdoor lights, and keep pets inside. Any wildlife activity should be reported to officials. Learn more on wildlife safety in Jefferson County here.
.jpg){kind=link}