The Western Slope Mountain Lion Density study is moving to a new area of study near Bayfield and Pagosa Springs later this winter and next.
The rotating study conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife is being used to better understand mountain lion populations across Colorado’s Western Slope. CPW believes it will be able to better test its previous modeled estimates and make more informed, science-based management decisions.
The density study was previously conducted in areas near Middle Park and in the Gunnison Basin. The study will be entering its fifth year.
CPW will be working alongside the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Wildlife Resource Management Division and tribal houndsmen during this study.
The results of the previous study can be found here. You can also view this video.
“We’ve already learned a lot from the two completed study areas,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta of Durango. “Having more data from our area will continue to enhance our local and statewide management of this elusive predator.”
CPW biologists and field staff will start the study by locating, tracking, and ultimately fitting up to 25 adult mountain lions with GPS collars along with numbered ear tags. There will also be numerous trail and remote cameras placed in the region alongside “call boxes” that are designed to attract the big cats.
The remote cameras allow researchers to identify mountain lions that have been tagged against those without any tags. This relationship between marked and unmarked lions, CPW said, will help experts gain a better estimate of the density in that area. GPS collar data also provides insight into how the big cats use the landscape and how they interact with each other.
“While other mountain lion research projects in Colorado are and have been done to answer a range of biological questions, we are really laser-focused on continuing to get a better estimate of the numbers of mountain lions here,” said CPW Southwest Region senior wildlife biologist Jamin Grigg.
The goal is to maintain a sample of 25 collared adult mountain lions within the study area boundaries. The projects are scheduled to take place December to March when mountain lions and their prey source are on winter ranges.
Cage capture and hounding may also be used by the researchers if local reports of mountain lion activity comes through in a timely fashion. The use of local hound handlers will lead to chasing a lion up a tree where it can then be darted and collared. After the assessment and fitting, a reversal drug is given to the lion and it is sent on its way. These exams help biologists estimate the age and condition of the lion.
Landowners and the public can assist in the CPW study by quickly reporting any mountain lion sightings and tracks. To report a mountain lion sighting between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, call the local area office at 970-247-0855.
“If people have a dead animal such as a deer in their backyard that just appeared or if they’ve seen a mountain lion that day, we would like to know about it over the next few months,” Grigg said. “That will help us with our capture efforts.”