Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Spring 44 Distilling had a wild New Year's visitor.

The Loveland distillery at 505 W. 66th St. shared video footage of a mountain lion frolicking outside the facility — also mentioning there have been fewer deer and elk sightings than normal in recent days.

Spring44 has been distilling craft spirits since 2009. They make vodka, honey vodka, gin, Old Tom Gin, straight Bourbon, and single-barrel Bourbon.

If you ever encounter a mountain lion in the wild, Colorado Parks & Wildlife recommends these tips:

  • ​Make lots of noise if you come and go during the time mountain lions are most active: dusk to dawn.
  • Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.
  • Closely supervise children whenever they play 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.
  • Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions, especially around children's play areas. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.
  • Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. Don't feed any wildlife!
  • Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all 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.
  • Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation.

10 Colorado Mountain Lion Encounters of 2020

More From Mix 104.3