Tracking Mountain Lions January 10, 2026
A mountain lion returns to a successful mule deer kill after taking a break to get water.
What: Tracking Mountain Lions
Where: Northwest of Fort Collins (details will be sent to participants)
We will meet at Me Oh My Coffee and Pie in Laporte, Colorado at 8:00 am, 3310 WCR 54G, Laporte CO 80535
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $220 per participant (Limited to Five Participants)
Join us as we look for fresh mountain lion tracks and backtrack to learn how they hunt and navigate across the landscapes they call home. We’ll compare their behavior with the behavior of the prey animals, primarily deer and elk. The cry of crows and magpies may give away a fresh carcass, a recent lion kill. There are many clues to throughout the forest that celebrate this apex predator and keystone species and the positive impact it has.
More than anything, you’ll learn about connections between mountain lions, other wildlife species, clear streams and plant communities. These connections can be witnessed in areas you explore moving forward. And you’ll meet some fellow wildlife enthusiasts.
The Hike Includes:
looking for mountain lion tracks and then backtrack to better understand their behavior
air currents and how they decide wildlife movement for many mammals.
learning how mountain lions hunt and navigate across their territories
why mountain lions are elusive and yet predictable
how mountain lions are different from other predators
being safe in mountain lion country
learning how to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife and wildlife activity
being prepared to deal with backcountry emergencies
setting up remote cameras to film wildlife successfully
Female mountain lion stands guard over a whitetail deer. I filmed her and her cubs feeding on the carcass for five days. When they’d leave the carcass she’d cover it up with more than a foot of snow to keep the birds off. Once the birds find it they tell all the scavengers, including the fox and coyote.
You’ll learn how to identify tracks of mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, red and grey foxes, Merriam’s turkeys, deer, elk and moose. You’ll also learn the difference between canine and feline tracks and how to identify tracks without any pad marks but simply a dimple in the surface, whether it’s snow, sand or another substrate.
Consider downloading the app iTrack for an excellent overview for mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, bears and numerous prey species, beginning with deer and elk.
The goal of this workshop is to help you not only identify sign of different wildlife species but also learn an incredible amount about what results in fantastic wildlife habitat.
WHAT TO BRING
layered clothing
decent footwear for hiking (closed toe footwear)
snacks and lunch
at least two liters of water
camera (cell phone is plenty)
a sauntering spirit
We will be stopping often to discuss the tracks and habitat of the wildlife that call this place home. There are many incredible connections worth learning that will enrich your time afield.
This is a great opportunity to ensure you have the Ten Essentials in your pack. Check out my Ten Essentials Plus system. If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend buying the SOL Bivvy XL first. It will save you from hypothermia and is an incredible shelter to wait out a thunderstorm.
Mountain lions are patient. They will wait until a single deer or elk falls behind the herd, ensuring they won’t spook the herd if they choose to attack this individual. Mountain lions cannot afford to have the deer and elk herds leave their territory.