![]() They are protected in all other states where present. Most of the western states, except California, allow the harvest of lions. Attacks on humans have increased markedly in the last two decades (see Beier 1991). Most victims (64%) were children who were either alone or in groups of other children. Nine attacks resulted in 10 human deaths. Fifty-three unprovoked mountain attacks on humans were documented in the US and Canada from 1890 to 1990. The four toes are somewhat teardrop shaped and the rear pad has three lobes on the posterior end.Īlthough uncommon, mountain lion attacks on humans occasionally occur. The tracks of the front foot are slightly larger than those of the hind foot. Heel pad width ranges from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm). Claw marks will seldom show in the lion track. The three-lobed heel pad is very distinctive and separates the track from large dog or coyote tracks. The tracks are relatively round, and are about 4 inches (10 cm) across. Tracks of the mountain lion are generally hard to observe except in snow or on sandy ground. Occasionally, mountain lions drag their prey to cover before feeding, leaving well-defined drag marks. Long scratch marks (more than 3 feet ) often emanate from a kill site. Mountain lions tend to cover their kills with soil, leaves, grass, and other debris. Claw marks are often evident on the carcass. The upper canine teeth of a mountain lion, however, are farther apart and considerably larger than a coyote’s (1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches versus 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches ). ![]() Occasionally, mountain lions will bite the throat and leave marks similar to those of coyotes. Sheep, goats, calves, and deer are typically killed by a bite to the top of the neck or head. Predation typically is difficult to manage, although removal of the offending animals is possible if fresh kills can be located. This historic pattern has changed in recent years, as lion distribution has spread, resulting in frequent sightings and occasional damage in residential developments adjacent to rangelands, montane forests, and other mountain lion habitat. Historically, lion damage was suffered by relatively few livestock producers who operate in areas of excellent lion habitat and high lion populations. Mountain lions cause about 20% of the total livestock predation losses in western states annually. Individual lions may remain with a herd and prey on it consistently for many weeks, causing significant number reductions. Lions are opportunistic feeders on larger prey, including adult elk and cattle. This usually occurs only in situations where alternative prey keep lions in the area, and higher deer populations are not close by. In areas of low deer numbers, mountain lions may kill deer faster than deer can reproduce, thus inhibiting deer population growth. Lions are considered to have negative impacts on several bighorn sheep herds in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado. Cattle, horse, and burro losses are often chronic in areas of high lion populations. Damage is often random and unpredictable, but when it occurs, it can consist of large numbers of livestock killed in short periods of time. House cats, dogs, pigs, and poultry are also prey. ![]() Mountain lions are predators on sheep, goats, cattle, and horses. ![]()
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