A Colorado Homesteader’s Guide to Wildlife Coexistence 🏔️ 🦁
When you choose to homestead in the Colorado mountains, you sign an unspoken agreement: this is mountain lion territory, and you’re the guest. It’s a reality of rural living, and honestly? It’s one of its greatest lessons.
As a Colorado homesteader on 8 acres surrounded by dense woods and wildlife, I’ve learned a lot about sharing space with these elusive predators. Recently, I gained a deeper understanding when I discovered something remarkable: a mountain lion cache right on my property.
What is a Mountain Lion Cache?
For those unfamiliar, a mountain lion cache is essentially a food storage site. These big cats will cover their prey – often a deer – with leaves, dirt, or snow to preserve it for future meals.
Finding a cache near my home was both startling and humbling. The lion had dragged its prey across my driveway and into the woods, where it carefully stashed the carcass to keep it safe and fresh. It reminded me of how a human hunter might put a deer in the freezer to preserve it for later use.
This act wasn’t random; it was an intentional survival tactic. By moving its meal to a secluded spot, the lion ensured it could return to feed without competition or threat.
What’s even more humbling? This mountain lion has been patrolling this territory for years. This was it’s home before it was mine; my house was built just five years ago. In a way, I’m the newcomer here, and this lion is one of the true locals.
Why Mountain Lions Cache Prey Near Homes
Mountain lions require expansive territories to hunt and survive. My homestead happens to fall within this lion’s range.
What’s amazing is how stealthy they are. Despite having security cameras, I’ve only caught brief glimpses. The motion sensors occasionally trigger, but by the time the camera starts recording, the lion is gone. Their ability to move undetected is both eerie and awe-inspiring.
I chose to leave the cache undisturbed. While unsettling at first, this decision reflects my respect for the mountain lion’s role in maintaining balance in our ecosystem. This is their land too, and they deserve to be here.
I did make sure to warn my neighbors of the activity, so they were aware and able to take the necessary precautions (like don’t play in the woods after dark and watch pets more closely).
A Word of Caution: When to Call for Help
While mountain lions are naturally shy and avoid humans, there are times when it’s necessary to contact wildlife protection officials:
🛑 If a mountain lion shows signs of unusual behavior, like allowing itself to be seen, entering secured areas to get at pets, or hunting humans, it could certainly pose a threat.
🛑 If you find a cache and notice the animal lingering nearby during the day or acting aggressively, call for assistance immediately.
Wildlife should be respected, but your safety always comes first.
Living Safely in Mountain Lion Country
Homesteading in the wilderness means adapting to coexist with nature. It’s about more than beautiful views and cozy cabins. It’s a commitment to understanding and respecting the land and its native predators.
Mountain Lions’ Role in the Ecosystem
- 🦌 Deer population control: Mountain lions prevent overgrazing by keeping herds in check.
- 🌿 Healthy ecosystems: Predators like lions ensure balance in the natural food chain.
Practical Coexistence Strategies
- 👀 Stay alert: Be especially cautious during dawn and dusk when lions are most active.
- 🐕 Protect pets: Keep animals indoors or close to home during peak wildlife hours.
- 🛠️ Secure your property: Store trash and pet food properly, and keep outdoor spaces well-lit.
Tips for Mountain Lion Country Residents
- Install motion-sensor lighting to deter wildlife.
- Maintain clear sightlines around your property by trimming back dense vegetation.
- Secure animal feed and other potential attractants.
- Be extra vigilant with pets, especially in the early morning or late evening.
The Reality of Rural Living
Social media often glamorizes mountain life with filtered photos of snow-capped peaks, cozy fires, and idyllic homesteads. But real rural living is more than just aesthetics. It’s about embracing the unfiltered beauty of nature, including its challenges, like living with mountain lions.
Sharing space with apex predators like mountain lions is both humbling and rewarding. Their presence is a sign of a thriving ecosystem, and it reminds us of the delicate balance we’re a part of.
A Lesson in Coexistence
Instead of seeking to remove the mountain lion near my property, I’ve chosen to respect its role. The cache it left behind, and its decision to drag prey across my driveway to a hidden spot, was a reminder that nature doesn’t operate on our terms. And that’s as it should be.
Each day on my homestead brings new opportunities to learn and grow. Whether I’m knitting by the window, keeping an eye on my surroundings, or tending to daily chores, I’m grateful for this connection to the natural world. Even its more formidable inhabitants. 🐾
Living with mountain lions and other wildlife is authentic homesteading: no filters, no shortcuts, just respect for the land and all who call it home.
🦌 More Homesteading & Wildlife:
- Starting Your Homestead: Simple Steps to Turn Your Dream into Reality
- Planning to Garden This Year? Start Here
- When Wild Turkeys Take Flight
- Keeping Bears Out of the Chicken Coop
- Cozy Lifestyle Basics
🏡 Mountain Living Essentials:
✨ Never Miss a Mountain Story
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