According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, mountain lions are generally calm, quiet and elusive. They tend to live in remote, primitive country with plentiful deer and adequate cover. Such conditions exist in mountain subdivisions, urban fringes, and open spaces.

Mountain lion sightings in Highlands Ranch are rare and should be reported to CPW. The Metro District partners with CPW to help educate residents about wildlife. Learn more about mountain lions from CPW.

If you encounter a Mountain Lion

According to CPW, people rarely get more than a brief glimpse of a mountain lion in the wild. Lion attacks on people are rare, with fewer than a dozen fatalities in North America in more than 100 years. Most of the attacks were by young lions, perhaps forced out to hunt on their own and not yet living in established areas.

Every situation is different with respect to the animal, the terrain, the people and their activity. Keep the following in mind if you see a mountain lion:

• Do not approach a mountain lion. Most will try to avoid confrontation, so it's important to give them a way to escape.
• Stay calm if you come upon a mountain lion. Talk calmly and firmly to it. Move slowly.
• Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate its instinct to chase and attack.
• Do all you can to appear larger, by raising your arms or opening your jacket if you're wearing one.
• Never feed any wildlife.

Who to call...

Always call 911 in the case of an emergency.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

If you have an encounter with a mountain lion or an attack occurs, immediately contact CPW, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before or after these hours, contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office or the Colorado State Patrol.

• 303-291-7227: CPW Denver office

To report a sighting, please contact CPW during normal business hours.

• 303-291-7227: CPW Denver office

Highlands Ranch Metro District

For more information about wildlife behavior in Highlands Ranch.

• 720-240-5924: Metro District open space supervisor