Having resided in SkyRidge subdivision for 20 years, Todd Leininger frequently hikes the Skyline Trail that stretches along the perimeter of the neighborhood. The 3-mile trail winds to the top of Reservoir Ridge, offering a panoramic view of Durango.
About 11 a.m. Sunday, Leininger began his customary hike along the trail. Merely five minutes into the hike, he encountered an unexpected resident.
“As I came around a corner I heard a ruckus in the trees so I stopped and looked around, and then all of the sudden a big mama bear came charging at me,” he said.
The cinnamon-colored black bear stopped about 20 feet in front of Leininger and grunted as her cub hid behind her.
“I put my arms up and just yelled, ‘Bear! Bear! Bear!’ until she turned around and ran back into the trees,” he said. “It happened really fast and was scary as hell.”
Summertime in Durango brings out more hikers and bikers. Bears are also on the move. The likelihood of human-animal encounters naturally increases.
John Livingston, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman, said it is rare for bears to approach humans unless they are startled. He said that may have been the case for the hiker, as the bear didn’t see Leininger come around the corner.
While black bears are generally not aggressive, Livingston said if people happen to encounter one, they should hold their position, yell at the bear loudly, and throw rocks and sticks in its direction. He recommends carrying bear spray if hiking in the back country.
“If you do just surprise a bear on a trail, its best to stand still and stay calm,” Livingston said. “The bear will probably stand its ground and try to identify what you are. It might even stand on its hind legs, but it’s just trying to sense you.”
Hikers should also be wary of mountain lions. Livingston said CPW has documented instances in which lions hiss and try to guide people away from trails. Their motivation might be to safeguard their kittens or protect a recent kill they have acquired.
“If you encounter a mountain lion you should raise your arms above your head and slowly back away. If you have a jacket on, open it up and just try to look bigger,” he said.
One crucial measure to take is to constantly maintain eye contact with the mountain lion and refrain from turning your back on it. In the event that the animal acts with aggression, people should raise their voices and throw sticks and rocks toward its vicinity.
Livingston said encounters with moose are increasingly prevalent, particularly in the Silverton and Ouray area. It is imperative to provide the large animals with ample space and distance.
“You want to try and put an object between yourself and the moose,” he said. “If it charges you, you should try and hide behind a bigger tree or rock.”
CPW also advises hikers and bikers against wearing headphones during trail excursions. Maintaining an acute sense of hearing and staying fully aware of one’s surroundings is essential. Fortunately for Leininger, he heard the rustling of the mama bear in the nearby bushes, prompting him to halt on the trail.
“If I would have had something in my ears, I wouldn't have heard her and would’ve kept walking probably right toward the cub, and it could have been way worse,” Leininger said.
glanderyou@durangoherald.com
