How to deter a mountain lion

[chrissynemetz]

We've had mountain lions in our area for many years, but they've never ventured too close to my property. Until now... I've had one roaming back and forth around the perimeter of my yard for several nights in a row. So far it has stayed on the outside of my fence... is there anything I can do to keep it on the outside?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Can you string hot wire where you are?

I would be running A LOT OF HOT.

 

[Willowspirit]

It’s sizing your place up. Mountain lions are known for doing this for weeks before breaking in. Sometimes even e+ isn’t enough to protect your animals if they are not secured in a closed indoor coop or barn. If they succeed they will be back.

Dogs are not too helpful. They have taken and eaten dogs as big as German Shepherds. Are your neighbors missing any livestock or pets?

The people who owned our place before had a mountain lion attack a horse left out in a paddock. The horse panicked (naturally) ran through a barbed wire fence and was so injured she had to be put down.

I also recommend looking up CO laws about killing nuisance mountain lions. Many places you have to get a depredation permit based on actual damage the cat has done. There was a CO case that was a mess involving shooting a mountain lion that was killing farmed red deer.

Frankly if you are armed this might be one of those times you need to use you gun to protect yourself, your livestock or your pets in the moment in self defense. When that cat comes over the fence, it really is a critical situation.

Don’t get me wrong, I love mountain lions. I am glad we have just enough wilderness for them to live in and I would love to see one in the wild, but not at my house, you know?

 

[Folly's place]

Talk to your DNR tomorrow!
Electric fencing, multiple strands, baited at first, with a very hot charger! Premier1supplies.com has products and excellent advice, by phone, so call them too.
We don't (yet!) have them here, fortunately, but that's what I would do.
Mary

 

[Willowspirit]

Link to story in CA about someone who got a permit to kill a mountain lion that was killing her animals.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/1st-mount...er-california-law-officials/story?id=68933725

 

[PirateGirl]

Definitely make a call to you DOW office. I wouldn’t expect them to do anything, but they do like to track lion locations/sightings especially when in close proximity to people. This could be needed later if the lion makes moves on any people/livestock/pets they will more easily be able to track it. Generally hazing of habituated wildlife is supported in CO. Any non-lethal means to threaten or scare it. Lights, air horns, etc. whether or not electric fence is permitted depends on local zoning and ordinances, I believe in some areas it’s deemed a wildfire hazard. Mountain lions are opportunistic and will hide out in hopes you or another animal will get close enough to make a move. Please watch your surroundings very closely anytime you are outdoors. This Feb. was the snowiest on record in parts of the state, animals are hanging out in strange places and hard up for food. Secure fencing is best you can do for your flock. DOW May have some more ideas. They may want to relocate it if there are enough sightings in your area or they may warn people to stay away if they find there are cubs or something nearby. Good luck.

 

[Willowspirit]

Definitely make a call to you DOW office. I wouldn’t expect them to do anything, but they do like to track lion locations/sightings especially when in close proximity to people. This could be needed later if the lion makes moves on any people/livestock/pets they will more easily be able to track it. Generally hazing of habituated wildlife is supported in CO. Any non-lethal means to threaten or scare it. Lights, air horns, etc. whether or not electric fence is permitted depends on local zoning and ordinances, I believe in some areas it’s deemed a wildfire hazard. Mountain lions are opportunistic and will hide out in hopes you or another animal will get close enough to make a move. Please watch your surroundings very closely anytime you are outdoors. This Feb. was the snowiest on record in parts of the state, animals are hanging out in strange places and hard up for food. Secure fencing is best you can do for your flock. DOW May have some more ideas. They may want to relocate it if there are enough sightings in your area or they may warn people to stay away if they find there are cubs or something nearby. Good luck.

I couldn’t resist going to DOW site and they have regional offices that want this info. Pretty cool, I think.

 

[chrissynemetz]

DOW told us we could shoot it if it kills any of our livestock, (but not pets). Or we can hire a private trapper to come relocate it, but that they won't do it anymore where we live.

 

[chrissynemetz]

DH is gonna run a couple of strands of electric wire this weekend. I hope it's enough. And it has me really wondering if my coop is secure enough. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons... no problem. I'm just not so confident about a hungry cougar.

 

[David61]

A few Trigg hounds and a good 30-30.