(UPDATE | Thursday 5 a.m.) — The Chavez Trail has reopened. Visitors should expect to see signs at the trailhead indicating that mountain lions are in the area and what to do if you see one.
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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A trail in Jefferson County is closed after a fight between two mountain lions left one dead and another injured.
On Monday afternoon, Jefferson County Open Space tweeted that Chavez Trail in Genesee Park — just northwest of the bison overlook along Interstate 70 — was temporarily closed due to mountain lion activity.
Be advised of trail closures (Chavez Trail off of Beaver Brook Trail & Braille Nature Trail) that remain in effect today at @denverparksrec’s Genesee Park due to mountain lion activity. pic.twitter.com/WAKzGjL2b8
— CPW NE Region (@CPW_NE) June 25, 2019
Jason Clay with Colorado Parks and Wildlife said two mountain lions got into a fight along Chavez Trail. One mountain lion died in the fight and the other was injured.
Clay said CPW is recommending that the trail stay closed for three days as a precaution because the injured mountain lion may be more aggressive. CPW does not know where the injured animal is, Clay said. Officials have placed a sign and wrapped caution tape around the entrance to the trailhead.
On Wednesday morning, Jefferson County Open Spaces officials said the trail will not open that day, but they are hoping to reevaluate the situation to see if it can be reopened Thursday morning.
CPW said it has had 60 mountain lion sightings since April, including one earlier Tuesday in Centennial.
Wildlife officials say if you encounter a mountain lion, do not run away. Stand your ground and make yourself bigger and make a noise to scare the animal away.
