True Mountain Lion Country: Watch It In These Colorado Counties

Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates we share our state with about 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions. Several thrive in the canyons, mesas, foothills, and forests across Western Colorado.

Areas near Grand Junction, Montrose, Glenwood Springs, and Durango all sit close to landscapes that mountain lions regularly use for hunting and travel. Before you head out on your next adventure, take a look at ten Colorado counties where you’re likely to spot a mountain lion.

Colorado Mountain Lions: 10 Counties With The Most Activity

A mountain lion sighting can happen almost anywhere in Colorado, but some parts of the state consistently see more lion activity than others. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has identified several Increased-conflict zones where mountain lions and humans are more likely to cross paths. Many of those zones are in the following counties.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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Where Colorado Encounters Are Most Likely.

The top ten counties with the most mountain lion activity are part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife's identified higher-conflict regions. These places support lions by providing a healthy population of deer, canyon systems, and foothills. Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s annual Mountain Lion Harvest Reports also help us find out more about where human-lion interactions are happening. Check out Colorado's Mountain Lion Human Conflict Area map here.

Counties That Nearly Made The List

At the end of the day, the state of Colorado as a whole is an excellent mountain lion habitat. Archuleta County benefits from the forests and mountains surrounding Pagosa Springs, while Eagle and Pitkin counties sit within the wildlife-rich Roaring Fork region. Chaffee County's Arkansas River Valley and Fremont County's canyon country also provide ideal conditions for mountain lions. A look at CPW’s Annual Mountain Lion Harvest and the state’s Game Management Units Map is another way to find lion country.

What To Do If You Encounter A Mountain Lion

If you are going to go out and enjoy Colorado’s backcountry, the safest way to do it is to start with a little homework. CYA ahead of time by knowing if your hike enters one of the state’s mountain lion human conflict areas. Since a Mountain Lion encounter can happen just about anywhere, remember these tips from Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
Never run. Fleeing may trigger a chase response.
Stand tall, maintain eye contact.
Raise your arms, open your jacket to appear larger, and back away.
If a lion is aggressive or attacks, fight back using whatever is available.
Keeping pets leashed.
Avoiding solo recreation at dawn and dusk to reduce the likelihood of an encounter.

LOOK: 10 Tips To Help Avoid Bears On Colorado's Hiking Trails

Hiking in Colorado's remote backcountry means an increased chance of encountering a bear. Colorado Parks and Wildlife suggests the following ten steps can help you and your dog avoid a dangerous situation.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: Beware of the 12 Most Dangerous Animals in Colorado

Keep an eye out for the following 12 dangerous animals in Colorado. While these creatures usually go out of their way to avoid you, if you encounter one you will want to give it plenty of space. Scroll on to see each one and find out why they make the cut of the most dangerous animals in Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Source: Colorado’s Mountain Lion Hotspots: 10 Counties You Need To Know