WESTMINSTER, Colo. — A mountain lion lounging in a tree in Westminster closed down Eaton Street between 112th Avenue and 113th Avenue for a few hours on Tuesday.
Westminster police say neighbors were notified, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife safely tranquilized the animal with plans to relocate it.
Eaton Street has since reopened.
ALERT | Eaton St between 112th Ave and 113th Ave is currently closed due to a mountain lion in a tree.
— Westminster Police (@WestminsterPD) September 15, 2026
Area neighbors have been notified and CPW is on scene.
Please avoid the area and do not approach the mountain lion.
We will provide updates as more information becomes… pic.twitter.com/pTwRfNXkn4
What do to if you spot a mountain lion:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service have a few tips on what to do if you come face to face with a mountain lion.
- Stay calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly. Face the lion and stand upright.
- Do not approach a lion. Never approach a mountain lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If you have small children with you, pick them up, if possible, so they don't panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. Biologists surmise mountain lions don't recognize standing humans as prey. On the other hand, a person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. If you're in mountain lion habitat, avoid squatting, crouching, or bending over, even when picking up children.
- Make lots of noise if you come into contact with one, especially at dusk or dawn.
- Install outdoor lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one is present.
- Closely supervise children whenever playing outdoors. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
- Keep your pets under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. Do not leave pet food outside as it attracts smaller rodents and raccoons that are eaten by lions. Store garbage securely.
- Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.
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