Mountain Lion
About the Mountain Lion
Mountain lions are usually tawny- to light-cinnamon in color with black-tipped ears and tail. Adult cats can weigh from 80 to 150 pounds and measure eight feet long, with the tail included. Most active from dusk to dawn, lions eat deer; however, they also kill elk, porcupines, small mammals, livestock, and other domestic animals. Historically the mountain lion has occupied all parts of Los Alamos County.
Mountain lion activity in Los Alamos becomes more common during the colder months as mountain lions head to lower elevations to find food. Though the risk to humans is low, we encourage community members to take precautions and be prepared if they encounter a mountain lion.
How Many Mountain Lions Live in the Jemez Mountains?
Based on long-term monitoring of large mammals across the Jemez Mountains, biologists estimate a local population density of 1 adult mountain lion per 100 square kilometers. Within Valles Caldera National Preserve, the population estimate is approximately 3 to 4 adult mountain lions, with others moving through the area seasonally.
Although mountain lions live throughout the park, few people ever see them. They follow their main prey as they move to higher elevations in summer and lower elevations in the winter. At Valles Caldera, mountain lions prey upon elk (mostly calves) and deer. They stalk the animal and then attack, aiming for the animal’s back and killing it with a bite to the base of the skull or the throat area. The lion eats until full, then caches the carcass for later meals. Lions spend an average of 3–4 days consuming an elk or deer and 4–5 days hunting for the next meal.
Mountain lions are solitary hunters who face competition for their kills from other large mammals. Even though a cached carcass is harder to detect, scavengers and competitors such as bears and coyotes sometimes find it. At Valles Caldera, black bears are known to take over a mountain lion's kill. Coyotes will try but can be killed by the lion instead.
Learn more about the mountain lion on the Valles Caldera National Preserve website:
Mountain Lions of the Jemez Mountains
If you encounter a mountain lion, follow these quick tips:
STAY CALM if you come upon a lion. Talk calmly and firmly to it.
DO NOT APPROACH a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
STOP or BACK AWAY SLOWLY if you can do so safely. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright. Do not crouch down or bend over.
Do all you can to APPEAR LARGER. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you're wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won't panic and run.
If approaching you, start THROWING THINGS at it.
To reduce the risk on your property:
- Install outdoor lighting
- Don't leave pets unattended outside, especially in the dark
- Supervise children outdoors
- Make your yard less attractive to lions by removing potential food sources
Learn more...