Generally speaking, mountain lions are calm and elusive animals. People rarely get more than a brief glimpse of them in the wild.

Check out this massive mountain lion that was spotted on Colorado's Sugarloaf Mountain near Boulder.

According to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, here are some things to keep in mind if you ever encounter a mountain lion:

  • Go in groups when you walk or hike in mountain lion country
  • Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation - give them a way to escape
  • Stay calm if you come across a lion
  • Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack
  • Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run
  • If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back
  • Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back

To report an encounter with a mountain lion or to report a sighting, contact the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Headquarters at (303) 297-1192.

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