The 3 mountain lion attacks in Colorado in 2019 follow a pattern – CBS Denver



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(CBS4) – The third attack of mountain lions in less than a year took place in Colorado. Although Colorado Parks and Wildlife still has a lot to learn, it indicates a common trait between the three: the lions were juveniles.

"When we have attacks, it tends to be done with younger lions and that usually means that they have not really learned to hunt, they are still a bit naive and they 're sure they' re going to do it. attack their prey, "said Rebecca Ferrell, CPW's information officer.

(Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus)

In February, trail runner Travis Kauffman killed a lion while attacked. Last week, a mountain lion attacked a hunter near Kremmling. Then Wednesday night in Bailey, an 8 year old boy was assaulted in front of his home.

Although the attacks may have resulted from mistakes made by young lions, three years in a year, according to Ferrell, is not the norm.

"We hear a lot, you know," that's just what a mountain lion does. "The fact that this happens so rarely proves that this is not what mountain lions do."

Ferrell says that another possible reason for the number of attacks this year is the increase in the population.

"In reality, the biggest problem that has probably led to an increase in the number of attacks this year is simply the increase in the number of people in Colorado. More people are moving into these areas, like Bailey, "she said.

CPW says that in most cases involving human conflicts with predators, the animal is shot.

"We understand and recognize that the loss of wildlife in Colorado is very personal, but ultimately, our priority will always be the health and safety of people."

Ferrell explains that most of the advice regarding mountain lions is the same when it comes to coexisting with most wild animals.

"Especially with lions, we want to emphasize that you never run. You never want to flee a mountain lion as this indicates that it is a prey behavior for them. "

She says that if the increase in population probably means more human encounters with wildlife, the more people know about it, the lower the risk of injury.

"Lion attacks and global wildlife attacks are pretty rare in Colorado and we want people to remember them. And do not let this discourage you from things you like to do and why you live in Colorado. "

Rick Sallinger of CBS4 is a Peabody Award-winning journalist. For more than 20 years, he has been broadcasting difficult news and investigative reports. Follow him on Twitter @ricksallinger.

Jamie Leary joined the CBS4 team in 2015 and is currently working as a reporter for CBS4 News at 10 pm. She could not imagine a better place to live and work and would stop at nothing to find the next big story. Jamie enjoys learning and hearing from other members of her community, so contact her on Facebook or Twitter. @JamieALeary.

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