Mountain Lion Allegedly Seen in Loveland Neighborhood Wednesday

UPDATE: The Loveland Reporter-Herald reports that CPW safely captured and relocated the mountain lion on Wednesday evening.

A mountain lion is currently roaming around Loveland, the Loveland Reporter-Herald reports.

According to the publication, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) learned about the animal after receiving a call about a mountain lion near Wilson Ave. and Fifth St. SW on Wednesday (April 12).

READ: You Could Spot These Animals at Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins

The agency is still searching for the animal, which was reportedly "close to human spaces." Local schools are aware of the situation, and no incidents have occurred as of this writing.

Kara Van Hoose, CPW's northeast region public information officer, told the Loveland Reporter-Herald that residents should do the following if they encounter the mountain lion:

Stop and make yourself appear large.
Announce yourself by talking loudly to the animal.
Retreat slowly but do not run.
Report the sighting by calling CPW at (303) 291-7227.

While CPW notes that mountain lion encounters are uncommon due to the animal's elusive demeanor, sightings are increasing as mountain lion and human habitats begin to overlap.

Last month, a mountain lion clawed the head of a Chaffee County man sitting in his hot tub, marking the first human mountain lion attack in Colorado in over a year.

READ: Dog Attacks in Boulder County Cease After Mountain Lion Death

In January, a local shot a mountain lion for allegedly attacking dogs in the Boulder County area. CPW euthanized a separate mountain lion for reportedly attacking dogs in Grand Lake later that month.

Learn more about dangerous Colorado wildlife in the gallery below.

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It's no secret that Colorado is home to stunning wildlife. However, that doesn't mean we should interact with the wildlife — some animals are meant to be avoided. See the dangerous Colorado animals you should steer clear of in the gallery below.

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