Did you know mountain lions could sound like this? 😳 I had no idea, until a year or so into hiking. Once I saw a video of them chirping, I realized I've heard them too many times to count. Mountain lions make these sounds to communicate with each other and they are heard from long distances away. Whenever I start hearing these sounds, I'll try and make more noise, like banging my trekking poles together, so l don't sneak up on a mountain lion. I also personally avoid hiking at dawn or dusk, but that's just my comfort level, especially as a (primarily) solo hiker. Make sure you bring bear spray with you. 🐱 Mountain lion basics: • Mountain lions are Colorado's largest wild cat and can weigh up to 200 pounds • They are normally calm, quiet, and elusive. • Mountain lions can leap up to 40 feet, jump up to 15 feet high, and run as fast as 40 mph. • Mountain lions are typically solitary animals, except during mating season, or when a female is supporting young. • They are most active at dawn and dusk. • Mountain lions are carnivores and prey mostly on deer. They will eat almost anything they can catch though. • Mountain lions like to live in remote locations that have adequate cover (rocks, trees, bushes) and where there are plenty of deer. ‼️ Tips for staying safe: • Hike in groups • Make plenty of noise • Keep children close to you. • Keep pets leashed. 🐱 What to do in an encounter: • Never approach a mountain lion. • Talk calmly and firmly to it. • Back away slowly. • DO NOT RUN - this will trigger a prey response. • Do everything you can to make yourself appear larger. • Raise your hands above your head and open your jacket. • Pick up small children, so they don't panic, and run. • Throw rocks, branches, etc at the lion if it's behaving aggressively. • Do not crouch down or turn your back. • Use bear spray if necessary. • Fight back if the lion attacks you. • Try to remain standing or try to get back up as quickly as possible. • Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife and seek medical attention if necessary. Have you ever heard any of these sounds before? #colorado #denver #mountains #mountainlion #mountainlions #denver #hiking #coloradohikes #adventure #outdoors

Tomorrow, Saturday April 20th, all entry fees will be waived at all National Parks! Here are the other free days in 2024: • January 15: Martin Luther King Jr's birthday • April 20: 1st day of National Park Week • June 19: Juneteenth • August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act • September 28: National Public Lands Day • November 11: Veterans Day ‼️ Make sure to arrive early! National Parks are notoriously busy, and for a good reason, they're beautiful! Be patient and kind to the other visitors, NPS staff, do not feed or approach wildlife (even chipmunks), pack out all trash, research weather, carry the 10 essentials, and make sure to check if pets are allowed (most parks do not allow them), before bringing your fluffy friend 🐶 I highly recommend getting an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) to use for the next 12 months, because it pays for itself after 3 uses 🙌🏼 Which National Park are you visiting tomorrow or which one is your favorite? #colorado #utah #nationalpark #nationalparks #hiking #adventure