Del Norte, United States - July 30, 2024

A young mountain lion, once emaciated and weighing only 29 pounds when found outside Naturita this spring, has successfully completed its rehabilitation journey at the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Managed by Michael Sirochman, the facility provided crucial care for the mountain lion, helping it regain strength and weight. Through a regimen that included small mammals like rabbits for prey training, the lion grew stronger in the covered pens and aspen grove terrain of the center.

After reaching a healthy weight of 65 pounds, deemed sufficient for survival, the mountain lion underwent a supervised release back into the wild. This mid-summer release aimed to give the lion ample time to hone its hunting skills on small mammals before winter, preparing it for larger prey like deer.