Three different types of wild cats live in Colorado: Bobcats, lynxes, and cougars. Bobcats are the most populous wildcat in Colorado, numbering an estimated 12,000 animals. Though they are most common, it is still rare to spot one. They range throughout the state and even live in more urbanized areas. The Canadian Lynx was reintroduced to Colorado starting in 1999 and remain rare, in fact there are less than 250 of them living here today and they are found in high elevation areas like Vail and Silverton. There are about 5,000 cougars (mountain lions) living in Colorado. They will live anywhere that deer do, so they do often live right along side us, even if we do not know about it. Many Coloradans feel that cougars are starting to exist closer to town in greater numbers due to the rise in sightings, but this is actually due to the rise in popularity of security and doorbell cameras that pick up our wild neighbors when we would not typically see them.

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Concern #1: Conflicts with Pets

Resolution for Bobcats and Lynxes: Small dogs, cats, and poultry are the most at risk for bobcat attacks. Keeping your pets on leash or in a fully enclosed fenced in area is one of the best ways to keep them safe. Bobcats are agile and able to easily clear a six foot fence. Using coyote rollers along yard fencing can help keep them out, but care should be taken to ensure that there are no other ways for a bobcat to climb into the yard such as trees or lawn decor. Because bobcats and lynxes are so agile, chicken coops should be fully enclosed. Take special care to cover the top of the outdoor portion of the coop and also close the door to the building at night. Bobcats and lynxes are most active between dawn and dusk. Be vigilant during these times when walking small dogs or letting them out into the yard at night.

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Resolution for Cougars: While cougar encounters tend to be rare, they do happen. Cougars often will prey upon dogs, cats, and livestock when the opportunity presents to them. Keeping dogs on six foot or shorter leashes while walking in the early mornings or late afternoons when cougars are most active is important. Human presence usually is a deterrent for most cougars. Carry bear spray when you walk your dog, especially if mountain lion activity is known in the area. If you are letting your dog out into your yard between dusk and dawn be sure to turn on lights, do a visual check of your yard, and make noise to scare off any potential cougars that are hiding. It is illegal to kill a cougar that is attacking a pet.

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Cougars do also occasionally attack livestock, but livestock losses are extremely low. If you are living in an area with mountain lion activity it is best to bring livestock into a barn or a pasture closer to your home between dusk and dawn. Using motion sensor lights and noise deterrents along fences can also help reduce mountain lion activity.  Those with cattle or sheep on open range or on large ranches should consider bringing in cows and calves to closer pastures during calving season and keeping several livestock guardian dogs with flocks of sheep. Because mountain lions are typically alone (mothers with kittens being the exception) a group of livestock guardian dogs are a great deterrent as cougars are naturally afraid of dogs and will likely run to a tree for safety. This should give the livestock owner enough time to move the flock to a different area and recall the dogs back to their sheep. 

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Concern #2: Human Safety

Resolution for Bobcats and Lynx: Attacks on humans by bobcats and lynx are exceedingly rare and there has never been a fatality attributed to these cats. Most attacks on humans are due to the animal having rabies. If you spot a bobcat or lynx it will likely stay still or try to move away from you. In the instance that they approach make yourself look large and shout at them. Use bear spray if the cat continues to approach. In the event that an attack actually occurs, immediately seek medical treatment even if the injury is minor. 

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Resolution for Cougars: Though also rare, there have been instances where cougars have attacked people. Most cougar attacks take place when a person is jogging or mountain biking alone on forest trails. The best way to reduce your chances of a negative cougar encounter is to hike or bike in a group of 3 or more and wear bright clothing. Always stay vigilant and pay attention to signs regarding mountain lion activity. Children are most vulnerable to cougar attacks. If you are enjoying the outdoors with your family be sure to keep children between adults and do not let them lag behind or run ahead. Occasionally, mountain lions have entered yards in rural areas and attacked children. Keep a close eye on children playing in yards, especially if they are alone. 

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In the event that you do encounter a cougar while enjoying the outdoors there are some steps to take to keep safe. Immediately stop moving, face the cougar, and slowly begin to move away from the cougar. Do not run. Wave your arms, shout, and throw stones or branches towards the animal. Always carry bear spray and use it if the mountain lion continues to approach. If the cougar makes physical contact, fight back. 

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Concern #3 - Wild Cats Hiding at Home

Resolution: Like other wildlife, bobcats, lynxes, and cougars will occasionally use our yards and homes as shelter.  Ensure that the space underneath your porch is completely sealed off as that space is an excellent hiding space for wildlife of all species. Trim all your bushes and trees so that they are not touching the ground. Clean up all brush piles.  Wild cats will often be found in our yards when there is a food source. This can be rodents, rabbits, or deer.  By clearing bushes and brush piles you reduce habitat for these animals. Do not feed deer. Not only is feeding deer illegal, but encouraging deer to regularly be at your home is an open invitation for cougars.