Why Hello There, Kitty

Paul Arnold, Avon Police Department

This rather beautiful creature was spotted in a tree in the Wildridge neighborhood on Aug. 2, 2007.

Police kept an eye on the lion as it stayed in the tree, slept peacefully all day and left during the night.

No incidents were reported during this mountain lion's visit.

How'd you like to wake up with this guy in your backyard? Residents in Avon's Wildridge neighborhood found him, this - let's admit it - lovely mountain lion, in a tree on August 2.Let's not forget that the wildlife in the area was here before we were and that it's our responsibility as the more cognitive species to take necessary precautions to coexist peacefully. This lion, discovered around 9:30 a.m., simply lounged where he was all day and left peacefully sometime during the night. Avon authorities said they didn't want to tranquilize the animal because it hadn't displayed any aggressive behavior. Mountain lions are not frequently spotted in the Vail area, and typically are much more apt to stay away from humans than say, black bears. Despite what some may believe, the staple of a lion's diet is deer (not children or pets). Still, knowing there are a few lions that make their way into civilization around here, the Colorado Division of Wildlife suggests that residents and visitors do the following: If you encounter a mountain lion:- When you walk or hike in mountain lion country, go in groups and make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea; it can be used to ward off a lion. Make sure children are close to you and within your sight at all times. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one. - Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape. - Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it. Move slowly. - Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion's instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright. - Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run. If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and that you may in fact be a danger to the lion. - Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get backup.Living in mountain lion territory:- Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are most active-dusk to dawn. Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present. - Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one. - Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen. - Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. Don't feed any wildlife! - Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely. - Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look. - Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation. For more information regarding mountain lions please visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife's webpage here.