A mountain biker came within close range of an adult mountain lion on a popular trail near Telluride Thursday afternoon, according to the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.
The encounter occurred at approximately 4:15pm on Thursday, June 18th, on the lower Wasatch Trail in the Bear Creek area. The rider reported the encounter to dispatch, with initial reports placing the lion near Bear Creek Falls prompting a response from the Telluride Marshal’s Office.
Authorities believe the rider startled the cat, which had been concealed in trailside brush. The lion was not behaving aggressively and there was no physical contact. The rider was not injured.
Mountain lion sightings have grown more frequent in the area in recent years, and attacks have occurred in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does note that mountain lion attacks are rare, but recommends fighting back rather than playing dead if one occurs.
If you encounter a mountain lion, officials recommend the following steps. Stop, stay calm and maintain eye contact. Do not run as running can trigger a chase response. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms, opening your jacket and standing tall. Speak firmly and loudly while slowly backing away, leaving the animal a clear escape route. Keep children close and pick them up if possible without bending over or turning your back.
If the lion acts aggressively, wave your arms and throw rocks, sticks or whatever is available. Bear spray is effective against mountain lions. Do not crouch or play dead. If attacked, fight back with everything available, including rocks, sticks, trekking poles, knives or your fists. Numerous people have successfully driven off mountain lions by fighting aggressively.
To reduce the risk of an encounter, hike with others when possible, avoid solo hiking at dawn, dusk or night when lions are most active, make noise in dense vegetation, and keep pets and children close.
