​Mountain Lions in Rio Arriba, New Mexico and an El Rito Resident's Encounter with One

Understanding and Handling Encounters

By Carol Bondy
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Yesterday a reader in El Rito had a Mountain Lion encounter at her home.   

"On Wednesday evening I opened our front door to a very large mountain lion.  We had heard a small noise and I was heading out to investigate.  The lion was about 3 feet right in front of me with one of our cats in its mouth.  Since he was a great deal larger than our 160 lb. male Great Dane, I was no match for him.  I would guess him to be 200 lbs.  There was no way to try to save our cat.  I backed inside the door and closed it behind me.  To my right were large floor to ceiling windows.  As I stood there screaming, the lion remained in place and stared at me through those windows for maybe a full minute, then casually walked off - still carrying the poor cat.  He had no fear of me at all.  The Sheriff's office sent a deputy, and Game and Fish sent a Game Warden.  The consensus is that the big cat, with no fear of people and brazenly taking a pet, is of serious concern to the community.  A trap and camera have been set up in hopes of capturing him as soon as possible.  If you live in El Rito, please be careful.  We live approximately 2 miles down State Road 110 in El Rito." 

We live among the wild things, and although mountain lion sightings are rare, they are here.  Following is some information and guidelines.

Introduction
Mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers, are majestic yet elusive predators that inhabit many regions across North America, including Rio Arriba, New Mexico. These powerful creatures are essential to the ecosystem, helping control the population of deer and other wildlife.

Mountain Lion Habits and Habitat
Mountain lions are solitary and primarily nocturnal animals, although they can be active during the day. They prefer rugged terrain and dense underbrush, which provides cover for hunting. In Rio Arriba, they are commonly found in forested areas, canyons, and mountains. Mountain lions have a large home range and are seldom seen by humans.

Signs of Mountain Lion Presence
Though sightings are rare, there are signs that indicate the presence of a mountain lion in the area:

• Tracks: Look for large paw prints with no claw marks as mountain lions have retractable claws.
• Scrapes: Mountain lions create scrapes on the ground with their hind feet to mark their territory.
• Scat: Mountain lion scat is typically segmented, which helps differentiate it from other animals.
• Deer Kills: Mountain lions often cover their kills with dirt, leaves, or snow to hide them from scavengers.

What to Do If You Encounter a Mountain Lion
​Encountering a mountain lion can be a daunting experience, but knowing how to react can help ensure your safety. Here are some guidelines to follow if you come across a mountain lion in Rio Arriba:
Stay Calm
Do not run. Running can trigger the mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, remain calm and stand your ground.

Make Yourself Look Larger
Raise your arms, open your jacket, and try to appear as large as possible. This can help deter the mountain lion from approaching you.

Speak Firmly
Use a loud, firm voice to assert your presence. Shout, wave your arms, and throw stones or sticks if necessary, but avoid crouching down or turning your back.

Maintain Eye Contact
Staring directly at the mountain lion can help you appear more dominant. Avoid bending down or crouching, as this can make you look smaller and more vulnerable.

Back Away Slowly
If the mountain lion does not retreat, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Do not run, as this can provoke a chase.

Protect Yourself If Attacked
In the rare event of an attack, fight back with everything you have. Use rocks, sticks, or any nearby objects to defend yourself. Aim for the eyes and face as these areas are most sensitive.

Preventing Mountain Lion Encounters
While encounters with mountain lions are rare, taking precautions can reduce the likelihood of an encounter:

• Hike in groups and make noise to avoid surprising a mountain lion.
• Keep children and pets close by and under supervision.
• Avoid hiking or jogging at dawn, dusk, and night when mountain lions are most active.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of mountain lion activity.
• Carry a whistle or an air horn to scare off mountain lions if necessary.
• Bear Spray can also be a deterrent

Conclusion
Mountain lions are an integral part of the natural landscape in Rio Arriba, New Mexico. By understanding their behavior and knowing how to react during an encounter, you can safely enjoy the beauty of this region while respecting its wildlife. Remember to stay calm, make yourself appear larger, and avoid running if you come face-to-face with a mountain lion. Taking preventive measures can further reduce the risk of an encounter, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.