Adults range from 6-9 feet in length and weigh between 80-275 lbs. They are solid in color, ranging from pale brown to tawny. Tails are 2-3 feet long. Their heads are relatively small compared to their bodies. Ears are short and rounded with dark backs. Legs are long and heavy with large feet. Juvenile cats may be buff-colored with dark spots.

The South Platte Ranger District is home to an abundance of wildlife including many dangerous animals. If you are new to Colorado or unfamiliar with hiking or camping with wildlife, we suggest that you contact Colorado Division of Wildlife for more information. Brochures are also available at our District office in Morrison. See similar questions...

Any statewide estimate of the mountain lion population is just a “guesstimate.” Mountain lion studies over the last 30 years have estimated population densities for different habitat types around the state. These density estimates varied from zero to 10 lions per 100 square miles, and were simply expanded to the total amount of each habitat type available. This method provides a crude estimate of between 4,000 and 6,000 mountain lions statewide. See similar questions...

With the passage of Proposition 117 in 1990, mountain lions became a "specially protected species," making mountain lion hunting illegal in California. This status and other statutes prohibit the Department of Fish and Game from recommending a hunting season for lions, and it is illegal to take, injure, possess, transport, import, or sell any mountain lion or part of a mountain lion. See similar questions...

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has a problem animal hotline at 303-297-1192 or visit their website at www.dnr.state.co.us/wildlife/. See similar questions...

Yes, there are black bears and a few mountain lions in the Apache Sitgreaves Forest, however, we've never seen one on or near our property. What we do see quite often is a small herd of elk, many jackrabbits, an occasional deer, and a wide variety of birds, squirrels and chipmunks. We've even seen a migrating flock of Canada geese on the drive up past Payson. See similar questions...

Desert mountain areas with broken terrain. Cliffs and steep slopes are favorite vantage points for cats where they can easily pounce on prey from above. Cats also conceal themselves in brushy areas where they can rush prey then drag their kill back into a protected area. See similar questions...

Depending upon the area and species present, they most frequently eat deer, cattle, javalina, rabbits, rodents and desert bighorn sheep. In residential areas, they also have been known to prey on pet dogs and cats. See similar questions...

Yes. These big cats are solid muscle, can leap up to 20 feet and outrun deer for short distances. They are excellent climbers and jumpers, and can swim when necessary. An adult male can travel up to 25 miles in a single night. See similar questions...

The DFG receives hundreds of reported mountain lion sightings annually statewide, but fewer than three percent turn out to be verified public safety threats. During 2004, for example, there were 14 public safety mountain lions killed. See similar questions...

Although the cause of wild mountain lions is a concern for everyone involved with CRMLS, the mission of the organization does not include activism or support of wild mountain lions. Therefore, we refer all such questions dealing with wild mountain lions to organizations that are active with them, such as the Eastern Cougar Foundation, the Predator Defense Institute, the Mountain Lion Foundation of Texas, and the Mountain Lion Foundation. See similar questions...

No, we do not breed or sell mountain lions. Any mountain lion that moves here can expect to live here permanently. Breeding displaced captive animals would only add to the overpopulation of this cat in captivity, so we do not breed them. See similar questions...

No. We accept mountain lions that have been confiscated from the State or Federal government, and we accept mountain lions whose owners have willingly relinquished custodianship. We will not go to someone's house and try to forcibly take a mountain lion. See similar questions...

Yes. Mountain lions range from the Straight of Magellan in South America to the Canadian Yukon. Recent sightings include lower Sabino Canyon, Bear Canyon, and nearby residential neighborhoods. See similar questions...

Dawn, dusk and evening hours are the hours when cougars are most active, but given the opportunity to bring down prey, they will do so during daylight hours, too. See similar questions...

A11 The refuge estimates that in 2006 at least five lions (three adults and two sub-adults) included parts of the refuge in their home ranges. Five individual lions were specifically identified through the use of camera monitoring of waterholes. In 2007, at least four adult lions and one sub-adult were identified as using parts of the refuge. One of the adult lions was removed in June 2007 while off the refuge. See similar questions...

They come from many places. Some come from homes, the shattered dreams of misguided pet owners. Others come from breeding programs, exhibition, or government-confiscated cats from these and other sources. Still more come from zoos that allow their cats to breed. Mountain lions do not make good pets. Even without claws, mountain lions can do a lot of damage with bites and crushing injuries. See similar questions...

Yes. Encounters with wild animals are not common, but bears are sometimes seen even on the outskirts of Silver City. Other wild animals include mountain lions, Mexican gray wolves, elk, bobcats, coatimundi, and more. Mule deer are probably the County's most-often seen large animal and are quite common in parts of the County. Campers should exercise care in the back country and practice clean camping regimes at all times. See similar questions...