A mountain lion was reported to have lunged at a large picture window of a home in the 300 block of Cliff Lane shortly after dark Aug. 30. The homeowner said she heard a loud bang on the glass near where she was standing and turned around in time to see a large mountain lion circle her back patio twice before disappearing into the open space behind the home, which is near Peery Parkway and Partridge Circle on the western edge of North Table Mountain.

The Golden Police Department has reported a higher than usual volume of calls related to mountain lions this year, but this is the first report of aggressive behavior. The Golden Police Department has notified the Colorado Division of Wildlife of the incident.

Citizens are being asked to be especially vigilant given the recent incident, and to call 9-1-1 if they see a mountain lion in the area. It is best if citizens do not take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or jogging alone or during dusk and dawn, when mountain lions are most active. Do not allow children to play outside or walk to and from the bus stop alone. Don’t leave pets or pet food outside, and don’t feed other wildlife (such as raccoons or deer) as the food may attract mountain lions. It’s also a good idea to eliminate tall grasses or other dense foliage that can provide hiding places for lions, especially within 30-yards (two lion bounds) of recreational areas and children’s play areas.

If you do encounter a mountain lion, you should not run and not act scared of it. Instead, look the lion in the eyes, talk calmly yet firmly to it, and make yourself look big. Try to give the lion a way out. You may back away slowly if you feel you can retreat. If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on. Without crouching or turning your back, fight back if the lion attacks you.