Mountain Lions in Southeast Montana: What You Need to Know

While most people think of western Montana when they picture mountain lion territory, these big cats can and do show up across southeast Montana too, especially in areas with good food and cover. That includes river bottoms, open breaks, and yes, even residential neighborhoods from time to time.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has recently received possible mountain lion sighting reports in the Colstrip area. At this point, officials aren’t sure if the lion is causing trouble or just passing through. Either way, it's a good reminder that we share our space with wildlife.

Why You Might See a Lion Right Now

This time of year, young mountain lions around 16 months old begin to leave their mothers and look for new territory. That means they may be traveling long distances and popping up in unexpected places, including near homes, parks, or trails.

The good news? Just spotting a mountain lion doesn’t automatically mean you’re in danger. These animals prefer to steer clear of people. Most of the time, they’ll move along on their own without any problems.

What Attracts Lions to Neighborhoods?

The main thing that draws mountain lions into human spaces is food, but not in the way you might think. They’re not looking for your garbage, but rather the deer that hang out in your yard. That’s part of why FWP is holding a Mule Deer Management Hunt in Colstrip: fewer deer near homes means fewer reasons for lions to come close.

How to Stay Safe in Lion Country

If you live or spend time in an area where mountain lions might be around, a few simple habits can help keep you, your family, and your pets safe.

Keep an Eye on the Kids: Always supervise children when they’re playing outside, especially during dawn and dusk when lions are more active.

Don’t Make Your Yard a Buffet: Feeding pets outside or putting out food for wildlife can attract smaller animals like raccoons, and that, in turn, can bring in predators like mountain lions.

Protect Your Pets and Livestock: Bring pets inside at night and keep small livestock secure in enclosed areas. Make sure sheds or barns are fully closed, curious lions may poke their heads in to investigate.

Travel Smart in the Outdoors: Whether you’re hiking, running, or just walking your dog, stick to groups and avoid going out alone during early morning or late evening hours. Carry bear spray and a walking stick. Keep your dog on a leash, a large dog can help deter a lion, but a wandering one could end up as prey.

Know the Signs: Watch for mountain lion tracks, scat, claw marks on trees, or scratch piles made of dirt, grass, and leaves. If you find what looks like a lion kill, often hidden under sticks and leaves, back away immediately.

Don’t Invite Wildlife Over: Skip the deer friendly landscaping and secure your trash. Trim bushes and trees near your home and consider motion-sensor lights. Lions like to hide so you want to make it harder for them to find cover.

What To Do If You See a Lion

Don’t Panic and Don’t Run: If you spot a mountain lion, stay calm. Don’t run. Running triggers a chase instinct. Instead, give the lion an escape route and slowly back away while facing it.

Make Yourself Look Big: Stand tall, wave your arms, and speak in a loud, firm voice. Long, steady noises are more effective than short bursts of yelling. Throw sticks or rocks if needed, but don’t crouch down or turn your back.

If a Lion Attacks, Fight Back: Use anything you can, bear spray, rocks, a stick, even your fists. People have survived mountain lion attacks by fighting aggressively and refusing to give up. Stay on your feet or try to get back up as quickly as possible.

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Report Concerning Sightings: If you see a mountain lion that seems too comfortable around people, attacks pets or livestock, or behaves aggressively, report it right away. You can contact Warden Tanner Mitchell at 406-853-7300 or call the FWP Region 7 office at 406-234-0900.