Bears, mountain lions, threats??? (Aurora, Parker: homes, neighborhoods, camping)

[Cassy134]

This may be a silly question(s)
My family and I will be moving to colorado, looking at castle rock, parker area. How big of a threat are bears and mountain lions in that area? Is it more common then I think? Hiking trails and just everyday living occurance? I'm currently in florida, is the risk greater then all the gators, crocs and snakes we have around? Thanks in advance

[StealthRabbit]

Most important is your location / urban interface. If you are right up against a national forest, you may have some wild visitors. Much of Parker and Castle Rock are typical Colorado suburban sprawl, very few homesites there are in a vulnerable region, and of those... Most probable is west side / against the mtns / forests.

Bears will be very rare, cats are more sneaky and prowl about. Very unlikely risk to you. Make noise and keep looking around you.
Please don't bring gators or more snakes!

[TCHP]

Wildlife encounters are always a possibility in Colorado as the suburban neighborhoods have continued to encroach on habitat. IMO, urban/wildlife interaction is much more common than interaction in the wild. This is primarily due to the abundance of easy food/trash we tend leave around and not think about.

In the wild, I've only ever come face to face with a bear once, and have never seen a mountain lion. However, in some of the fringe neighborhoods of Colorado that are against the mountains, I've seen several of each.

How big a threat they actually are is dependant upon where you are. In communities where these are possibilities, most know this and post warnings about it. Bear mauling are very, very rare. Adult human and mountain lion interactions are also rare. Lions tend to target prey sized targets such as cats, dogs, and children. As such, I don't think I'd let small children or pets run around out of line of sight when on mountain trails or camping in the woods. Certainly would recommend a call to Dept of Wildlife or local Sheriff to get insight on your specific area.

Are they as common as gators, crocs and snakes? No idea. I've never lived in Florida. But I'd hazard a guess that no, it is not anywhere near as common as that. But when it does occur here, it tends to be somewhat sensationalized.

[beezle1]

I have lived in Black Forest for 22 years. I have seen 1 bear here (small one, just passing through), and 2 mountain lions. The lions I only saw for a few minutes in the daytime before they disappeared. I have always been told that if you have deer, you also have mountain lions, even if you don't see them. I am sure they have seen me many times. I did call the Department of Wildlife when I saw the first lion as I have horses and dogs and wanted to know if I should be concerned. They told me that generally they lions are not interested in horses, dogs or people. They are looking for deer, but if I had sheep or goats, it may be a concern.

[SQL]

I've lived here for close to 8 years and the only wildlife I've seen is as follows:

• Elk
• Deer
• Garter Snake
• Mountain Goats

At one time, I thought I saw a mountain lion prowling through some brush about 70 yards in front of me while bike riding. But I never saw a distinct image of it. I've also been camping deep in the mountains in remote areas and have never come across much wildlife.

[TCHP]

Originally Posted by beezle1

I have always been told that if you have deer, you also have mountain lions, even if you don't see them. I am sure they have seen me many times.

This is very true. I'm sure I've been watched mores time than I could imagine.

[Gorges]

We have a family of mountain lions living near us in SE Aurora (near northeast Parker) but they haven't caused any problems. There have been sightings in Parker, most recently in the Hobby Lobby parking lot on Mainstreet where someone took photos. Oh, and bears on the golf course. It's hilly out here and the golf courses are often bordered by wild-looking ravines where wildlife hang out. I've only been here for 2 years but haven't heard anything about run-ins with humans.

[SkyDog77]

In short, this should be one of the lowest things on your list of worries.

[Vision67]

I wouldn't worry much about the wildlife. They mostly avoid you.

But those stupid humans....

[DurangoJoe]

Originally Posted by Cassy134

This may be a silly question(s)
My family and I will be moving to colorado, looking at castle rock, parker area. How big of a threat are bears and mountain lions in that area? Is it more common then I think? Hiking trails and just everyday living occurance? I'm currently in florida, is the risk greater then all the gators, crocs and snakes we have around? Thanks in advance

Colorado Dept of Wildlife (CDOW) estimates the Mountain Lion population in the state to be 3500-4500 lions. Approximately 57% of the state is suitable mountain lion habitat. Accurate counts are hard to get so this is an estimate only.

Florida's estimated alligator population on the other hand is estimated at 1.25 million!

Which do you think you're more likely to see?