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Since 1965, cougars have been classified as Big Game in Colorado. Harvest is managed using a harvest limit quota system without female sub-quotas. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) estimates that nearly 3,500 lions inhabit Colorado. Hunters may take one lion of either sex each season.

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Currently officials believe that quotas that are too low lead hunters to be less selective, therefore caring less about which sex they take. Few agencies or individuals expend resources to study or protect cougars so Colorado is a notable exception. In 2006 the DOW hired Dr. Ken Logan to launch a ten year, $2 million lion study on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Dr. Logan and the Four Corners Houndsmen Association conduct clinics for lion hunters, teaching them to distinguish between toms and females. Colorado is also working to balance divergent perspectives towards lion management and deal with urban interface issues.


Mountain Lion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has provided this list of Frequently Asked Questions in response to questions about mountain lion management in the City of Boulder. The Colorado Division of Wildlife is responsible for the direct management of all wildlife in the state.