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