Boulder officials suggest that residents be on the lookout for increased mountain lion activity, which picks up near the foothills and other populated areas in the late fall and winter, according to a city press release.

The risk of mountain lion and human interaction is extremely low, although sightings and pet depredation happen in Boulder, according to the release.

If you come into contact with a mountain lion, officials recommend not approaching it. Instead, talk calmly and firmly to it.

Officials also said that running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Instead, they recommend stopping or backing away slowly if you can do so safely. Additionally, officials recommend doing anything you can to appear larger, such as raising your arms or opening your jacket, if you’re wearing one.

To reduce the risk of problems with mountain lions on or near your property, city officials suggest installing outdoor lightning, supervising children when outdoors and removing any potential food sources from your yard, including pets and livestock.

Officials also advise against leaving pets unattended outside, especially during dusk and dawn hours.

Mountain lions are “territorial and solitary,” meaning that if a lion establishes its territory, it is often the only lion in that area. If it leaves, that means another mountain lion has taken over, according to the release.

“Because of this, removing or relocating lions observed in the city does not reduce potential conflict,” the release says. “Relocation and removal of lions from the city is reserved for individual animals that pose a direct threat to humans through abnormal or aggressive behavior.”

To learn more or to report a mountain lion sighting, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/species/mountain-lion.