Mountain lion travels 558 miles to visit national park in Colorado

Communicate about a stroll in the wilderness! Squeaks, GPS-collared mountain lion, covered 558 miles on his journey from New Mexico to Colorado. 

“Squeaks, a sub-adult GPS-collared male mountain lion, explained goodbye to Tamaya in early July 2020,” the Pueblo of Santa Ana Division of Purely natural Assets said in a current Fb publish highlighting the massive cat’s journey. “He has traveled 558 miles and is at this time on Mesa Verde National Park.”

Just after leaving his home variety on July 5th, 2020, Squeaks wandered north into Colorado on August 24th, 2020. The mountain lion invested some time together the Florida River, just south of Durango, before creating quite a few tries to shift northward and westward.

On September 28, 2020, the mountain lion crossed underneath a bridge on Freeway 550 positioned near mile marker 2 in which he continued touring westward into Mesa Verde National Park.

Despite the fact that it really is unclear regardless of whether the a lot more than 52,000-acre nationwide park will be this huge cat’s forever residence, he appears to be settling in, at the very least for now.

Researchers say Squeak’s GPS collar collected to date about 2,925 pinned spots. The collar was initial put on the mountain lion on February 12th, 2020.

It is unclear what could have prompted Squeak’s extensive journey, although the regular assortment of a mountain lion tends to be about 60 to 100 square miles.

The mountain lion, also identified as a cougar, puma, or panther, is one particular of the largest wild cats indigenous to the Americas. Adult males can achieve up to 8 ft extended and weigh an common of 150 lbs. Women are scaled-down in sizing, achieving up to 7 toes very long and weighing an regular of 90 pounds.

In Colorado, mountain lion populations are estimated to array in between 3,000 and 7,000.

Editor’s Be aware: If confronted by a mountain lion, stay quiet, and speak firmly. Gradually back again absent. Do not operate, this could bring about a chase. Be large, loud, and use anything these kinds of as rocks or sticks to retain space amongst you and the mountain lion. If attacked, often battle again. To study extra about residing safely with mountain lions, click on here.