Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been receiving relatively frequent reports of sightings of mountain lions in the Pagosa Springs area, according to CPW’s Southwest Region public information officer, John Livingston.
The agency “also dealt with a few depredation incidents of livestock south of Pagosa over the last month caused by one specific lion,” Livingston notes in an email to The SUN.
But, despite the frequent sightings, Livingston notes there is no more danger now than before.
“The danger is no more present than it always has been,” he wrote, “people just notice lions more these days as there are more folks with hobby livestock and the advances in security/doorbell cameras.”
Livingston also explains CPW recent studies show a strong mountain lion population in the area.
“We know we have a healthy and robust lion population around the Pagosa area. It’s great habitat with plenty of prey, especially deer,” he wrote. “We just finished our second winter of the West Slope mountain lion density study between Pagosa and Bayfield, and that is confirming our previous population modeling estimates that verify a strong lion population in the area.”
Livingston also addresses reports that mountain lions may be affecting small animal populations in the area, explaining the current drought is impacting all wildlife and any changes in populations aren’t necessary due to mountain lions.
“As for rabbits and squirrels, drought impacts all species, and this could be a difficult summer for all wildlife,” he wrote. “It will impact natural food production not only for bears but many other mammals, too. Rabbits and squirrels are also primary prey for several raptor species, and we know we have lots of hawks, eagles and owls around. So it would be hard to point to any one animal or factor if people are noticing fewer numbers.”
Living with mountain lions
Livingston explains it’s important that people not encourage deer to congregate near their homes.
“It’s OK to haze the deer away,” he notes. “Deer hanging out around homes can come with the unintended consequence of lions being nearby. Like bears, deer also like getting birdseed that has fallen. That makes it double important to take down bird feeders.”
CPW also suggests the following tips for living with mountain lions:
• When taking your pets outside, keep them on a leash.
• Be extra vigilant during mornings and evenings.
• Eliminate hiding places like bushes and tall grassy areas.
• If you find a dead deer covered or hidden, it might be a mountain lion kill, so avoid the area.
For more on living with mountain lions, including how to protect pets, see https://cpw.state.co.us/living-mountain-lions.
randi@pagosasun.com
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