A report of an aggressive mountain lion that lunged at a window of a home on the western edge of North Table Mountain has prompted the Golden Police Department to caution residents.
A homeowner in the 300 block of Cliff Lane told police that on Aug. 30 she heard a loud bang on her picture window and turned to see a large mountain lion circle the patio twice before disappearing into open space near Peery Parkway and Partridge Circle.
Police said they have had a higher-than-usual volume of mountain lion calls this year, but this is the first report of aggressive behavior. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has been notified.
Citizens are being asked to be especially vigilant given the recent incident, and to call 911 if they see a mountain lion.
It is best if citizens do not do outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or jogging alone or during dusk and dawn, when mountain lions are most active, police said.
Children should play outside or walk to and from the bus stop alone. Police recommend not leaving pets or pet food outside and not feeding other wildlife, such as deer and raccoons, since that can attract mountain lions.
Eliminate tall grasses or other dense foliage where mountain lions can hide, police said.
In an encounter with a mountain lion, do not run or act scared, police said. Look the lion in the eyes, talk calmly yet firmly, and make yourself look big. Try to give the lion a way out. Back away slowly if you feel you can retreat. If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on. Without crouching or turning your back, fight back if the lion attacks.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
