Students in Estes Park learn about camera research for mt. lions.

Communities, Cameras, and Conservation
Mountain Lion Research and Ecology Curriculum for Middle and High School Students

RMCC has launched a mountain lion research and ecology program with a focus on field research and technology. This pilot program began with middle and high school students in Estes Park and has since grown to include a program for high school and college students on the Front Range. Our partners include, the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County Open Lands, Lory State Park, Fort Range  Community College, Estes Park School District, and the Rocky Mountain High School.

Communities, Cameras and Conservation provides students with hands-on research opportunities.

• Each week as part of the students' science course, they help researchers by checking camera traps set in key areas along  the wildland and urban interface. The students keep records of the animals and lions photographed for this overall research effort, which was designed to gain a better understanding of resident lions and their vast territories that include areas near human development.  This program can also apply to other wildlife species.
• Students also collect data on primary and secondary prey species such as elk, deer and small mammals; and
• Students also assist in recording animal tracks and other sign for this research endeavor.

This pilot program is available to communities interested in connecting students with on the our on-the-ground field work. Please call or email Caroline Krumm at(970) 215-3759, or caroline@catconservancy.org. 

CBS Channel 4 NEWS piece on Communities, Cameras, and Conservation - Estes Park students capture lions via camera research.
 

During the first week of the pilot program in Estes students
downloaded this photo of a young lion in this territory.


 Above, a photograph of two young lions playing with their mother (collared lion below) nearby. Both were recently downloaded by the students as part of this education program.






Education video segments from the experts

 

Learn about hiking safety in mountain lion country. Scientist Dr. Don Hunter describes what to do if you encounter a mountain lion. This piece aired on Animal Planet's "Get Out There," which featured families recreating in national parks. Click on the link below to view this short educational video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQcudqueKj0

Learn about the various names of the mountain lion. Cat researcher Caroline Krumm discusses the various names of the mountain lion. This piece also aired on Animal Planet's "Get Out There." Click on the link below to view the short video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5gaHLpmd_4


                                                     
What to do in Lion Country?
 
                                                    Generally , mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A MOUNTAIN LION

• Do Not Hike Alone: Go in groups, with adults supervising children. Make plenty of noise to reduce the chance of surprising a lion.
• Keep Children Close: Keep children in view. Pick up small children immediately if you encounter a lion. Teach children what to do if they encounter a mountain lion.
• Do Not Approach a Lion: Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Do Not Run: Stop. Back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright. Wave your arms. Raise your jacket over your head to appear as large as possible. If the lion behaves aggressively, throw sticks, rocks, or other objects if within reach and accessible without bending too low. Speak firmly in a loud voice.
• Fight Back If Attacked: Humans have successfully deterred attacks by becoming aggressive.
• Immediately Report All Encounters or Attacks: Please contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife or the Colorado State Patrol or your local Sheriff's Department. Your information is very valuable to resource managers.

                                                 Teach children what to do if they encounter a mountain lion.

LIVING IN LION COUNTRY

• Keep Pets Secure: Pets are considered easy prey and cat attack lions. Bring pets inside or secure pets and hobby animals in predator proof enclosures between dusk and dawn. Bring pets in at night. Don't feed pets outside; this can attack raccoons and other lion prey. Secure garbage to avoid attracting lion prey animals. 
• Don't Feed Wildlife: By feeding deer or other wildlife in your yard, you may attract a lion, which preys on deer.
• Install Outside Lighting: Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.
• Closely Watch Children: Supervise children when they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn, the periods when lions are most active. Talk to children about lions and what to do if they meet one.
• Landscape for Safety: Remove dense or low-lying vegetation around your property that would provide good hiding places for mountain lions.