Living with Mountain Lions

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.

AI generated image of what my mountain lion probably looks like. My lion (thankfully!) will not let itself be seen.
AI generated image of what my mountain lion probably looks like. My lion (thankfully!) will not let itself be seen.

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.

Yes, this is my yard. But it is also home to mountain lions, bears, coyotes, deer, rabbits, and other native Colorado wildlife.

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 view into my dense forest; the perfect home for a mountain lion to live its life.

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.

Mountain lions live in wooded areas because their natural food sources live here as well, like the heard of mule deer that wander my property most of the year.

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.

Find my Homestead Essentials shopping list (where you can find this security camera) on Amazon (affiliate link).

Motion activated security lights and cameras are a helpful way to monitor mountain lion behavior on your property. Get more tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

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.

Living near the woods means living with mountain lions and other predators. Learn to co-exist with tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

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.

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5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Homestead Running Smoothly (Even When Life Feels Chaotic)

Keep Your Homestead Running Smoothly (Even When Life Feels Chaotic) with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Running a homestead can feel like a never-ending list of things to do, especially when life’s other demands creep in. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that keeping things simple usually works best. Here are five ways to make sure your homestead doesn’t just survive, but thrives, no matter what the day throws at you.

1. Make a Plan, But Be Ready to Improvise

Every day starts with a plan, at least, in theory. I always have a mental list of what needs to happen, whether it’s feeding the animals, pulling weeds, or trying to convince the chickens to lay their eggs in the coop, not the garden (they have their own opinions, of course).

Let Liz Chandler @ PurlsAndPixels help you stay organized even on busy days. To do Lists help with running your homestead.

Plans are great. Flexibility, though? Essential. Think of it like a recipe: you follow the instructions, but you know when to add a little more spice.

2. Do What You Can, When You Can

I’ve found that homesteading is all about momentum. You don’t have to clear the whole garden in one day. Just start where you are – harvest one row of carrots today, maybe the squash tomorrow – and keep moving forward. It’s like knitting: you don’t finish the sweater in one sitting. But stitch by stitch, row by row, things come together.

When running your homestead feels hectic, remember to take on one little task at a time. Harvest some carrots, then move to the next step.

You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up if you don’t count every minute.

3. Let Systems Do Some of the Work

There’s a reason drip irrigation is a thing. The more you can automate, the less you have to remember, and frankly, there’s already enough rattling around in our heads. Setting up systems, whether it’s a watering timer or a routine for feeding the animals, creates a little breathing room for the unexpected. Because something will always come up.

And when you have that moment of extra time, use it wisely. Or just sit down. Sitting counts.

Find ways to automate your homestead systems, so running your farm and home don't take up all your time. It's ok to relax. Learn more tips with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Did you know that you can automate so many things on the homestead?

Here is a list of my favorite time-saving homestead gear on Amazon.com. Hopefully, one of these things will save you a bit of time!

4. Community Is Your Best Resource (Even If It’s Online)

We all like to think we can manage it all solo, but even the most independent among us benefit from a little help now and then. Maybe your neighbor has a tip for getting rid of bindweed forever, or maybe your kid has discovered a faster way to gather eggs. Either way, sometimes a fresh perspective or extra set of hands makes all the difference in keeping your homestead running smoothly.

Tips for Navigating Challenges with Animals, Land, and Nature when You’re the only Adult running a homestead. I know you want to do it all, but take help when you can.

You don’t have to be an island just because you want to live a quieter homestead lifestyle.

5. Celebrate the Wins, However Small

Sometimes the victory is in the details. Maybe you finally got the hens to stay in their pen for a full 24 hours (we’ll call that a miracle), or you managed to bake a loaf of bread without the dough sticking to everything in the kitchen. Whatever the win, take it. Celebrate it! After all, if you don’t, who will?

Celebrate the small wins on hectic days. Look! I got a green egg! Read more about homesteading under pressure from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

And besides, the next challenge is always waiting as you keep your homestead running. Might as well enjoy this one while it lasts.

Read more

Tarantula Migration

Tarantulas Wandering in Southwest Colorado: A Unique Natural Phenomenon

Every fall, a fascinating event unfolds across the plains and foothills of Southwest Colorado—the annual tarantula migration. It’s a natural spectacle that draws attention not only from local residents but also from nature enthusiasts and curious onlookers from across the country. While the thought of hundreds of large, hairy spiders might send shivers down some people’s spines, the tarantula migration is actually an incredible and harmless display of nature at work.


What Is the Tarantula Migration?

Tarantulas Wandering in Southwest Colorado: A Unique Natural Phenomenon

The tarantula migration is not a migration in the traditional sense, where animals move long distances for survival or food. Instead, it’s a seasonal event where male tarantulas—most commonly the Aphonopelma hentzi species—emerge from their burrows in search of mates. These bachelors are driven by one purpose: finding love before the end of their short adult lives. Think of it like nature’s speed dating, but with way more legs and a lot less talking.

Starting in late August and continuing through October, the males set out at dusk, bravely trekking across fields, roads, and even hiking trails in their quest for romance. While this phenomenon occurs throughout the southwestern U.S., Southwest Colorado—particularly around La Plata and Montezuma Counties—offers a prime viewing opportunity for those wanting to witness this spidery love parade.

Why Do Tarantulas Migrate?

The male tarantulas, typically between 7 and 10 years old, have spent their lives underground, feeding and molting in their solitary burrows. But after years of being single, they’ve had enough and emerge during the fall to search for that special someone—because even spiders can’t resist the call of love. Mating is their one and only mission now, and after they find a mate, they’ve basically checked off their entire bucket list.

Females, on the other hand, are much more grounded (literally and figuratively). They prefer to hang out in their burrows, waiting for Mr. Right Now to wander by. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they take their time, knowing the males will come knocking. Unfortunately for the guys, some of these spider dates don’t always end well—cannibalism is a real possibility. Talk about a high-stakes romance!

Where to See the Migration

In Southwest Colorado, several areas are well known for good tarantula spotting. The flat grasslands between Cortez and Durango, particularly around Highway 160, are a great place to witness the migration. It’s not uncommon to see these large, slow-moving romantics crossing roads or meandering through open spaces, likely dreaming of the perfect spider wedding.

For those who wish to experience the tarantula migration, it’s best to go out just before sunset, when the males become more active. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to stay after dark, as the tarantulas tend to be most active at dusk and into the early evening hours.

Are Tarantulas Dangerous?

Despite their intimidating size and appearance, tarantulas are generally not dangerous to humans. Sure, they look like they could headline a horror movie, but they’re just hopeless romantics in search of a mate. While they can bite if threatened, their venom is mild and typically not harmful beyond a bee sting in terms of pain or reaction. They’re much more interested in finding love than engaging with humans, so if you come across one, it’s best to observe from a respectful distance and let them continue their search for spider soulmates.

Tarantulas also play an important role in the ecosystem, keeping populations of insects and small invertebrates in check. Their presence is a reminder of the often-overlooked importance of spiders in maintaining balance in nature—whether they’re swiping right on their tarantula Tinder or not.

How to Enjoy the Tarantula Migration Safely

If you plan to observe the tarantula migration, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure both your safety and the well-being of these eight-legged Casanovas:

  • Watch from a distance: Tarantulas are delicate creatures. Avoid picking them up or disturbing them on their journey for love.
  • Drive carefully: If you’re on the road, be mindful that tarantulas are slow-moving, and it’s easy to accidentally run them over. Drive cautiously in known migration areas, especially during the evening.
  • Respect their habitat: Stick to trails and paths, and avoid trampling through their natural habitats. Many of these areas are fragile ecosystems.

Ready for Love

The tarantula migration in Southwest Colorado is a remarkable event that showcases the beauty and complexity of nature—and the romantic desperation of male tarantulas! For a few short weeks each fall, the region’s rugged landscape comes alive with these gentle giants, each hoping to find love before time runs out. So, whether you’re a spider enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, the tarantula migration is a spectacle worth seeing—if you’re brave enough to witness nature’s ultimate matchmaking event.

Keeping Bears Out of the Chicken Coop

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

Essential Steps to Protect Your Flock in Bear Country

Living in bear country means being the guardian of your chicken coop in a land where bears might mistake it for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Bear-proofing your coop isn’t just about protecting your chickens; it’s also about ensuring that our furry neighbors don’t end up enjoying an unintended feast.

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

Understanding Bear Behavior

First things first, let’s delve into the bear psyche. Bears are not food critics; they’re opportunists. They have an uncanny ability to sniff out a chicken dinner and might consider your coop a Michelin-starred establishment if given the chance.

Keep Temptations Out of Reach

Alright, now it’s time to clean up the yard. Remove any chicken delicacies that might entice bears. Store feed securely in bear-proof containers, because your chickens aren’t the only critters that enjoy corn and grains. A hungry bear will happily snack on your chicken feed, then search for some protein to go with his side dish. It’s best not to rely on “bear-proof” containers; a clever bear can pop these open with the flick of one claw. Instead, keeping feed in a sturdy shed or garage is a good way to keep it out of reach.

A bear’s claw can easily pierce the top of a “bear-proof” feed bucket, allowing it to unscrew the lid and feast.

Fortify the Fortress

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

Your coop should resemble Fort Knox, but with more clucking. Construct it with materials sturdy enough to withstand a bear’s curiosity. Remember, bears are like the Houdinis of the animal kingdom; they’ll try every trick in the book to crack into your coop.

When it comes to locks, bear-resistant is the name of the game. Bears have a knack for figuring out puzzles, so opt for locks and latches that would give even Sherlock Holmes a run for his money.

Regularly inspect your coop to ensure it remains a fortress against bear infiltration. Remember, bears have a lot of time on their paws and are persistent problem-solvers.

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

Your First Line of Defense: Fencing

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

Install fencing that even the most ambitious bear would think twice about crossing. Think electric fencing or a fence so formidable it could double as a set for a medieval castle. Bears might be strong, but they’re not fans of unpleasant surprises.

If you find a particularly stubborn bear is undeterred by a little zap, here is a tip I learned from a retired Forest Service Wildlife Officer. He told me to try wrapping a strip of raw bacon around the electric fence; when the bear tries to grab a snack, it will get a zap that should deter it from coming back. Just make sure to turn off the electricity before you wrap the bacon, and turn it back on when you’re done.

Lights, Alarms, and Other Bear-Be-Gone Gadgets

Bright lights and sudden loud noises: the bear’s version of an unexpected pop quiz. Set up motion-activated deterrents that make bears feel like they stumbled into a surprise party they weren’t invited to.

To create a bear-unfriendly surprise party, motion-activated deterrents could mimic a carnival gone haywire in the woods. Picture strobe lights flashing vividly, casting disorienting shadows amidst the trees. Accompanying these dazzling lights, an array of loud, dissonant noises erupts—a cacophony of honks, bells, and perhaps even snippets of human chatter or music, jolting the bears out of their peaceful reverie. These deterrents, strategically placed and activated by motion sensors, would make the bears feel like they stumbled upon a chaotic celebration they definitely weren’t invited to.

From the bear’s perspective, these unusual sights and sounds disrupt their usual routine, creating an environment that feels unfamiliar, unpredictable, and thoroughly unwelcoming. It’s the forest equivalent of walking into a surprise party where you’d much rather have stayed home—a sensory overload that normally encourages a swift retreat back to the peace and quiet of the untouched woods.

Man’s Best Friend: The Canine Guardians

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

When it comes to bear deterrence, our four-legged friends often steal the show. A well-trained dog can be an invaluable asset in keeping bears at bay. Bears are wary of dogs and are less likely to approach an area where they sense the presence of these vigilant guardians. Consider introducing a dog to your coop-defense team – a furry, barking sentry that doubles as a loyal companion.

However, training is key; not every dog is automatically a bear-chasing expert. Choose breeds known for their protective instincts and train them to safely deter, not directly engage, these formidable visitors. A dog’s bark might just be the final piece of the puzzle in creating a bear-proof fortress for your chickens. Be sure to socialize your pups well with their new chicken friends, or you will have an entirely different predator problem on your hands.

Community Bear Watch

Keeping bears out of the chicken coop Liz Chandler PurlsAndPixels.

Spread the word! Let your neighbors in on the secrets of bear-proofing. Sharing tips might just prevent your neighborhood from turning into a bear picnic area.

Unusual Bears

If you find the bear in your neighborhood is not deterred by these tricks, call your local animal control or wildlife specialist. They’ll have more tips and might even want to relocate very stubborn or aggressive bears.

Read More Rustic Living Guides

🦁 Living with Mountain Lions

🕷️ Tarantula Migration: Where and Why they Roam

🏡 10 Tips for Starting Your Homestead


The Calm Before the Snowstorm: Preparing in Colorado’s Fickle Weather

Learn how I snowstorm prep in Colorado. Homesteading with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Snowstorm Prep in Southwest Colorado

by Liz Chandler

Ah, the weather in Colorado – as changeable as a toddler’s mood swings. We all know that fleeting moment of warmth just before a snowstorm hits. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Here’s a quick taste of spring before I dump more snow on you!” In that brief respite, it’s time to get your game face on and snowstorm prep.

Preparing for the Incoming Snowstorm

The Calm Before the Snowstorm: Preparing in Colorado's Fickle Weather by Liz Chandler

Picture this: The sun’s out, the snow’s melting, and I’m doing a mad dash around the yard. Garden tools left out? Check. Animals comfy in their shelters? Check. Buildings ready to face the snowy wrath? Check, check, check. Because in Colorado, you’ve got to seize the moment!

Animals and Outbuildings

Sure you can refill the chicken feed tomorrow. They’ve got a little left. But do you really want to hike out there in a foot of snow? I sure don’t, so I make sure to top off the hens’ feeders and waterers when it is warm and beautiful. The girls are happy, I’m happy. It is a win-win!

Colorado snowstorm prep tip: refill the chicken feeders on the warm day before most storms.

Tools, Hoses, and Toys

Colorado snowstorm prep tip: make sure your snowplow and other equipment are in working order and accessible.

An essential tip for preparing for Colorado snowstorms is to meticulously check and ensure the functionality of your snowplow and other winter equipment. Confirm that the snowplow is in optimal working condition, with all components thoroughly inspected and any necessary repairs addressed. Additionally, it is crucial to guarantee that the equipment is easily accessible when the need arises. A well-maintained and readily available snowplow can significantly streamline the process of clearing driveways and pathways, contributing to a more efficient and stress-free response to the winter weather challenges that often grace the Colorado landscape.

Colorado snow prep tip: put the wheel barrow and other garden tools away before it snows.

Another crucial tip for preparing for Colorado snowstorms involves taking advantage of the fleeting warm days: make it a priority to pick up outdoor toys and tools. These items left scattered in the yard may soon find themselves buried under a blanket of snow, complicating cleanup and potentially causing damage.

Get your tools orgainized for winter before the first storm hits. Keep them organized by upcycling an old pallet. Find the DIY from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

If your weather has been warm enough to use the garden hoses, it’s time to unhook them from the house and outdoor faucets. Leaving water hoses connected in freezing temperatures can cause the hoses or, worse, the pipes in your house to freeze and burst from the expanding water turning ice.

By seizing the opportunity to tidy up during those brief spells of milder weather, you ensure a smoother transition into the snowy days ahead, saving both time and effort in the long run.

Colorado snowstorm prep tip: pick up toys and tools on warm days or they'll get buried in the snow.

Finish Shoveling

Colorado Snowstorm prep tip: Finish shoveling icy spots as soon as they thaw or you'll get more snow on top and they will be stuck all winter.

Alright, fellow winter warriors, here’s a snow survival nugget: treat icy spots like ninja snow – quick and sneaky! The game plan? Finish shoveling those frosty troublemakers as soon as they thaw. Why, you ask? Well, let’s just say we want to avoid a winter-long staring contest with stubborn ice patches. If you procrastinate, they might just call in more snow reinforcements and set up camp for the entire season. So, grab your shovel, channel your inner snow superhero, and let’s keep our winter pathways drama-free and slip-proof!

Embracing Indoor Activities: Knitting During Snowstorms

Knitting Journal: Winter Wonderland by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

As soon as the snowflakes commence their enchanting dance, it’s officially knitting o’clock! Believe me, it’s the ideal way to embrace the storm. The needles go clickety-clack, and in the blink of an eye, I transform into a crafting maestro in the midst of a winter wonderland.

Saluting the Quirks of Colorado Weather

Ah, Colorado – where the weather keeps us on our toes! That last sunny hurrah before a snowstorm? It’s our reminder to prep smart and savor every twist and turn. So, here’s to our ever-surprising skies and the quirky rituals that make our snowy days a tad cozier.

Hey, how do you snowstorm prep in Colorado’s yo-yo weather? Share your tips for embracing the unexpected or let me know your secret weather-predicting weapon. WeatherBug, anyone?

Colorado snowstorm prep.

Watch that Sky


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