mountain whitefish is another native species; it prefers to live in lower-elevation rivers. Introduced and stocked species include the landlocked Kokanee salmon and lake trout.
Fishing is a big industry in Colorado, and those hoping to participate need to acquire a license from the Colorado Department of Wildlife (wildlife.state.co.us/fishing; [303] 297-1192). Many high-altitude lakes are stocked by aerial drops in the spring, making for fine fishing throughout the summer and autumn months.
Animal Encounters
What to Do if You Encounter a Mountain Lion
Mountain lion encounters are rare, since the big cat is an elusive animal. In areas where human development infringes on habitat and territory (such as Boulder and Colorado Springs) the chance of seeing lions increases. Hikers are seldom bothered by mountain lions; attacks on humans usually happen as a result of the chase-and-kill reflex triggered by a runner, biker, or jogger.
Unlike bears and other predators, mountain lion behavior is highly unpredictable. Lions may quietly stalk unsuspecting passersby until they have exited the cat’s territory without incident. Other times, lions will burst out of the woods for no apparent reason other than to attack. If you come across a mountain lion, do not run! Mountain lions (who can run close to 45 miles per hour) can easily chase down a human (who, on average, can run about 20 miles per hour). If you come upon a lion, look at it without directly gazing into its eyes (focus on the feet). Slowly back away; if the animal is focused on you, talk firmly but calmly.
If you come across a mountain lion, do not run! Mountain lions (who can run close to 45 miles per hour) can easily chase down a human (who, on average, can run about 20 miles per hour).
More extreme measures need to be taken if the lion has an active interest in you. When a lion perks up and begins stalking you, you must act. Do everything you can to make yourself look bigger, including opening your coat or waving around your hiking poles and arms. Groups of hikers should huddle together and make noise, throwing rocks or sticks at the lion. Try to pick up potential weapons without crouching down. Do not turn your back on a mountain lion. Children and smaller people, usually women, should get behind larger companions. If the confrontation has gotten to this stage, aggressive scare tactics should repel mountain lions (who aren’t used to having their prey fight back).
In the worst-case scenario—an attack—fight back with all you have. Punch, kick, swing, bite, scratch, and aim for the eyes or nose. Try to stay on your feet and get back up if you get knocked over. Mountain lion attacks usually come in one or two powerful waves; these cats are not endurance fighters. This is not universally true, however, as emaciated lions may fight to the last. Never play dead with mountain lions. This apocryphal defense only applies to some grizzly bears. A mountain lion will seize the opportunity of passive prey by administering a deadly bite to the neck. Climbing trees is another bad idea. Mountain lions are proficient climbers, and you’ll only end up out on a limb. If you successfully fend off the animal, leave the area immediately. You’ll probably be roughed up if you’ve survived an attack. Keep your guard up; patient mountain lions are capable of regrouping and finishing off wounded prey. Report any attacks to the local sheriff or wildlife bureau.
What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear
Feared, hated, and reviled for centuries, black bears have earned an unfair reputation as bloodthirsty killers. They are nowhere near as aggressive as grizzly bears, yet they carry the burden of being associated with their ferocious cousins. Many are shy and will run away at the first sight of humans. Most conflicts occur in areas where human and bear habitats overlap (even then, bears are more prone to raid a garbage can than attack a person). Most black bear attacks are defensive in nature, with the attacker usually defending a kill or protecting cubs.
Black bear attacks are rare, but they do happen, most often when a hiker surprises a bear or comes too near a den with cubs. If you encounter a black bear, give it space. If the bear does not go away, you need to leave the area—even if it means missing out on a coveted summit. Black bears aren’t looking to pick a fight. If you see them stand up on their hind legs, it is not always an aggressive action; they are simply trying to get a better view of things. If a bear becomes uncomfortable, it will begin growling, slapping the ground, or clamping its jaws as a warning. This is your cue to leave. Back away slowly and do not turn your back on the bear; as with mountain lions, look at the animal but not directly into its eyes.
One thing to note is that most of the audible and visible displays of a black bear are defense mechanisms designed to scare you off. Even the “bluff charge” where a bear runs at you while growling is more often than not a (terrifying) warning, telling you to get lost. In most circumstances, there is no reason to intimidate the bear. Quietly leaving the area is the best decision for both of you.
While their habits are somewhat predictable, that does not mean that black bears will never assault humans. When they decide to attack, they will not bother with the defensive behavior noted above. An aggressive bear may casually walk over on all fours without barking or growling, giving the illusion of a harmless saunter. A seemingly calm bear coming toward you is a threat. At this point, you must take measures to fend it off, including making yourself look larger. Yell out loud and throw rocks, sticks, and whatever else is around at the bear. Do not run, but slowly back away. Bears are excellent runners, swimmers, and tree climbers. Again, research has shown that most black bear attacks are defensive in nature, usually by a sow protecting her cubs. Measured swats or light bites that do not break the skin are extremely effective in frightening off intrusive hikers.
In the rare case of an all-out attack, fight back. As with mountain lions, do not play dead. Most black bears only want you out of their territory, and playing dead leaves you in the danger zone with a greater chance of being killed. Bear spray may give you peace of mind, but its effectiveness in real life is marginal at best. A determined bear will continue to attack through the pain, and you may end up blinding yourself in the confusion.
The key to bear safety is to avoid confrontations that may turn ugly. Be smart and respect bears of all sizes.
Tips and Common Sense When Dealing with Wildlife
Always give animals ample space and respect. Elk, deer, and other “gentle” wildlife can attack if frightened or threatened.
Never attempt to feed any wildlife, period.
When scaring away smaller animals, such as marmots, aim carefully when throwing sticks or stones. Your goal is to scare them, not injure them.
A loud whistle is a good first-line defense against animals that get too close.
Be especially cautious when in close company of mountain goats and bighorn sheep. These encounters often happen on high ledges or ridges, where a well-timed head-butt could create a nasty fall.
Report any animal attacks to park rangers or to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Stay alert during dusk and dawn, as these are prime hunting conditions for predators.
When hiking in remote areas, make as much ambient noise as you can, such as conversations, singing, whistling, and so on. In situations such as these, that friend who is an endless chatterbox becomes a valuable commodity. You want to make yourself known, so as not to scare any animals in the area. Bear bells are encouraged.
Additional Tips for Those Who Hike Alone
