Below is a Facebook post from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Our biologists just announced new findings as part of a multi-year study focused on the state’s mountain lion population, and the results show some interesting insights. The main takeaway: the data confirms a robust mountain lion population and, in some areas, the number of mountain lions exceeded modeled estimates. Across western Colorado, mountain lion populations are healthy and thriving.
But how do we count these secretive animals? It’s not easy to say the least, but that is where science and our experts come in!
Using trail cameras, audio from the field, GPS collars placed on animals, ear tags, and a whole lot of number crunching, our staff turn paw prints in the snow into real numbers that help guide our mountain lion management decisions.
For our team, it’s all in a day’s work. With study areas in Middle Park and the Gunnison Basin complete, the next steps are focusing on the Book Cliffs north of Grand Junction and an area east of Durango.
Click here to learn more about these efforts, and the continuation of the multi-year project.
(Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)