DOW will not file charges in mountain lion incident

The Division of Wildlife (DOW) has found that the individual involved in the shooting of a mountain lion near Gross Reservoir on the morning of October 5 acted to prevent injury to human life. The DOW will not be filing any charges against him.

At 1:30 AM, Friday, October 5, a family staying near Gross Reservoir in Boulder County was awakened by noise outside their trailer.  Stepping outside to investigate, they found their dog, which had been chained outside, in the mouth of a mountain lion.  The man and his wife shouted at the lion in the hopes of getting it to release their dog to no avail.  The man ran back to the trailer to get his rifle and upon stepping outside, shouted again at the lion.  The lion took steps toward the man, at which point he shot it and killed it.

“Having completed our investigation, we’ve concluded this person acted in accordance with the law in protecting his personal safety,” said Kathi Green, Acting Northeast Regional Manager.  “As always, we will continue to advocate that people take precautions when living or visiting lion country to prevent conflicts such as this incident.”

If you live in lion country:

-Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are most active—dusk to dawn.
-Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.
-Closely supervise children whenever they play outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
-Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.
-Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. Don't feed any wildlife!

-Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely.

 -Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.

-Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation.


The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.