On The Trail of Mountain Lions
A Guided Hike and BBQ with David Neils
Sylvan Dale Ranch ~ Loveland, Colorado
Join David Neils on a guided hike at Sylvan Dale Ranch where you'll learn about the predators that call this place home, including mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, black bear, and fox. The group will check wildlife cameras for a real-life look at some of these predators. This moderate hike is 8 miles round-trip. We will hike up Sulzer Gulch and visit some new places that hikers who've hiked with David previously haven't seen.
Once back at the ranch we'll enjoy a barbecue and have a chance to visit about the day and discuss wildlife and the wild places they inhabit.
What to Bring: Participants should be prepared for a 3/4 day outing: dress appropriately for the weather, wear good hiking footwear, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Join us:
October 27, 2018
7:45 AM - 3:00 PM
Where
Sylvan Dale Ranch
2939 N. County Rd. 31D
Loveland, CO 80538
Meet at the Hilltop Parking Lot
Cost
$40.00
(includes guided hike and BBQ dinner)
Guide: David Neils
About a decade ago I had fallen asleep on a ridge in the Never Summer Wilderness in Colorado and about 20 minutes later, a mountain lion approached from my backside, put his head over my high shoulder and pushed on my right cheek. I never wake up startled when I'm out in nature. But that day I did. I sat up and instinctively brushed my right cheek. Odd, I thought. I got up and noticed fresh mountain lion tracks across a muddy area right next to me. The tracks ended where I was laying. The mud was crusted dry for about the first 1/4 inch and below that the mud was wet. Claw marks went through the dry surface and into the wet mud. Lions don't walk around with their claws extended. Hmmm, I wondered how fresh those tracks were. I walked around for a few minutes to see if I could see anything off the ridge in either direction. Nothing. I walked back to the muddy spot and in those few minutes the claw marks had dried. Since then I've been fascinated by mountain lions, their habits, the prey they pursue, and their habitat.
