A woman was running with her dog in Nederland recently when a mountain lion attacked and severely injured the animal, which is now being treated at home. According to an account of the attack on a GoFundMe campaign set up to help owner Sarah Jane Romano pay her veterinarian bills, the dog, a pit bull named Talia, suffered a skull fracture and puncture wounds on her head and neck. Talia spent the night at the Boulder Animal Hospital following the incident. Romano is described as a single mother, a dance teacher, and a massage therapist on her GoFundMe page.

If you encounter a mountain lion, be sure to let them know that you are not their usual target, and they are likely to leave you alone. As always, report if you see a mountain lion or bear.

When venturing into mountain lion habitat, go in groups and make plenty of noise in an effort to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. Make sure children are close to and under the supervision of adults. Teach children about mountain lions and what to do if they see one.

• Do not approach lions. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give the lion a way to escape.
• Stay calm if you come upon a lion. Talk to it in a firm voice in an effort to demonstrate that you are human and not its regular prey.
• Back away slowly. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack.
• Face the lion and make an effort to appear as large as possible. Open your jacket or lift objects to appear like a more formidable opponent. Pick up your children.
• If the lion behaves aggressively, throw rocks, sticks or whatever you can pick up, without turning your back to the lion or bending down.

photo via: GoFundMe page.

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