In a heart-stopping turn of events, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers became unexpected heroes to two young mountain lions. The dramatic rescue unfolded last Friday near Durango, Colorado, at the Vallecito Reservoir spillway.
Quick thinking by a dam tender, Mike Canterbury, prevented a potential tragedy. As he prepared to release water down the spillway, he spotted two mountain lion cubs precariously trapped inside. Realizing the rushing water could drown the young cats, Canterbury immediately contacted CPW.
District Wildlife Manager Ty Smith arrived on the scene and prioritized a non-invasive approach. In a daring move, Officer Smith dangled a rope into the spillway, hoping the curious cubs would use it to climb to safety. His gamble paid off! One adventurous cub readily grasped the rope and was hoisted back up, quickly disappearing into the nearby woods.
The second cub, however, proved more hesitant. Undeterred, Officer Smith bravely climbed down into the spillway himself. With patience and a strategically placed catch pole, he managed to coax the cub towards the rope. Working together, the CPW team successfully lifted the cub over the concrete wall and released it back into the wild. Though initially seeking a brief moment under a nearby truck, the second cub eventually followed its sibling back into the wild.
A release of water likely would have drowned the two lions,
CPW’s Southwest Region
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Spreading Awareness: Mountain lion cubs are naturally curious and can sometimes wander into unfamiliar territory. If you encounter a mountain lion, it’s crucial to stay calm and make yourself appear large. Slowly back away, allowing the animal an escape route. Report any sightings of mountain lions in populated areas to your local wildlife agency.
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Together, we can ensure the safety of both wildlife and humans in Colorado!
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