Montana is mountain lion country. The best lion habitat is in the western part of the state, but they can be found in any habitat that has sufficient food, cover and space. That can include almost anywhere in southeast Montana, especially in the riparian and breaks areas. Unfortunately, it can also include residential areas at times. Like most wildlife, lions would prefer to avoid humans, but that can take a backseat when animals are drawn by easy food rewards.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has received reports of possible mountain lion sightings in the Colstrip area recently. FWP is trying to determine whether the animal is engaging in problem behavior or just passing through.

It’s also not unusual this time of year for mountain lions around 16 months old to disperse from their mothers to establish their own territories. They may be on the move more and travel near or through residential areas.

The presence of a lion, particularly when no people are present, doesn’t indicate an immediate threat. After some time, they usually move on. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. Human interactions with lions usually happen when they are attracted by the presence of prey like deer and elk. One of the goals of FWP’s Mule Deer Management Hunt in Colstrip is to reduce the number of deer around town that may draw predators like lions to residential areas.

Following are some suggestions for those living or recreating in lion habitat:

-If children are playing outside there should be an adult present. Do not let children play outside between dusk or dawn.

-Protect pets and domestic livestock. Don’t feed pets outside, as that can attract other raccoons and other animals that may also be prey for mountain lions.

-Keep pets inside at night and shut doors on any outbuildings.

-Travel in groups. Consider carrying bear spray and a sturdy walking stick as it can be used to ward off a lion. Keep children close to the group.

-Be aware of your surroundings. Maintain awareness while hiking or jogging and don’t use headphones that block out your surroundings.

-Avoid solo, fast-paced recreation at dawn or dusk, or night – the times of day when lions are most active. Larger, leashed dogs can deter a mountain lion.

-If you find a lion kill, leave the area.Lions hide their kills, often with leaf litter and sticks, and may remain close by.

-Watch for signs of mountain lion use along the trail: tracks, scat, claw marks, scratch piles usually made of grass, dirt, pine needles, and leaves.

-Do not feed wildlife, especially deer. Lions will follow their prey to feeding sites. Avoid landscaping with plants that deer prefer to eat.

-Reduce cover near your home: As a deterrent, install outside and motion-sensitive lighting around your property. Trim vegetation and remove wood piles to reduce hiding places for wildlife.

-Keep pets under control. Roaming pets are easy prey for lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Store all garbage securely.

-Keep small livestock and birds confined at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.

If you encounter a lion:

-Do not approach the animal. Most lions will try to avoid confrontation and run away. Give them an escape route.

-Stay calm. If you startle a mountain lion, or a lion approaches you, give it a way to escape. Talk to it calmly but firmly. Move slowly.

-If you come across a mountain lion, stand tall and face the lion and yell, letting people know a lion is in the area. Then while keeping an eye on the mountain lion, slowly move back towards a building and get inside. Never run from a lion.

-Convince the lion that you are not prey. 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 or shout aggressively. Periods of long noises seem to deter lions better than short intermittent noises.

-If a lion attacks, fight back. Remain standing or try to get back up. Use your bear spray. People have successfully fought off lions with bear spray, rocks, sticks, jackets, and their bare hands.

Please call Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks if you observe a mountain lion that appears habituated to human activity or development, attacks livestock or pets, or in any way behaves aggressively toward humans. Contact Warden Tanner Mitchell at 406-853-730 or call the Region 7 office at 406-234-0900.