Mountain Lions & Bears

Although watching the many animal species inhabiting the Rocky Mountains can be a wonderful experience, approaching wildlife can be dangerous-always keep a safe distance from wild animals, and be prepared to act appropriately should there be a mountain lion or bear nearby. Black bear and mountain lion sightings have increased in the park, and although attacks are rare, it is important to be prepared. Do not leave food, garbage, or dirty cookware unattended in campgrounds or in your vehicle at remote trailheads. Backcountry campers must place all scented items in commercially available bear-resistant containers. Avoid walking alone, and watch children and pets closely on trails, particularly at dawn and dusk. If bears or mountain lions are present, DO NOT APPROACH. Most bears and lions will avoid confrontation, but if they feel threatened, they may approach. Immediately act: try to appear larger, by forming a tight group, standing on a stump or boulder, or shouting, waving, or throwing objects at the animal. Always report sightings of these animals to park rangers. Mountain lions and black bears are powerful and potentially dangerous. Some general guidelines for traveling in backcountry areas of Rocky Mountain where wildlife may be encountered: 1) Travel in Groups and make noise as you hike. Keep your group, especially children, close together. 2) Do Not Approach a mountain lion or bear. 3) Stay Calm when you see a mountain lion or bear. 4) Stop; back away slowly. Never turn your back and run. 5) Stand Tall and Look Large. Raise your arms. Protect small children by picking them up. 6) If approached, make loud noises, shout, clap hands, clang pots and pans. 7) If attacked by a mountain lion or bear, Fight Back! Food Storage Do not attract wildlife, including black bears, to your campsite. Keep a clean camp! Never leave food items unattended. Improperly stored or unattended food items will likely result in confiscation and/or issuance of a citation by a park ranger. In campgrounds, all food items must be stored by one of the following methods: - Inside vehicle trunks. Be sure windows are closed and doors are locked. - In vehicles without trunks, items should be placed as low in the vehicle passenger compartment as possible and covered from sight, with windows closed and doors closed & locked. - In park-provided bear boxes. Boxes are shared and cannot be locked.