MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS IN SHEEP CREEK – Several residents in Bear Creek have spotted a large male cougar in the meadow in front of Newcomer’s cabin on three separate days this past week.  Residents in Sheep Creek have also reported similar activity. Two contractors working for Neal Lummus also reported sightings in the same spot. The men are nervous about people coming in contact with this fairly bold lion and have asked Sheep Creek residents and visitors to be aware and report additional activity. As the weather starts to turn colder we will continue to have increased bear and mountain lion activity along with the normal coyotes, etc. Do not let you pets outside alone or run loose. If you do have an encounter:

• When you walk or hike make plenty of noise to reduce your chances of surprising a lion. A sturdy walking stick is a good idea; it can be used to ward off a lion. Make sure children are close to you and within your sight at all times. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they meet one.
• Do not approach a lion, especially one that is feeding or with kittens. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
• Stay calm when you come upon a lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it. Move slowly.
• Stop or back away slowly, if you can do it safely. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Face the lion and stand upright.
• Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you’re wearing one. If you have small children with you, protect them by picking them up so they won’t panic and run.
• If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches or whatever you can get your hands on without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly. What you want to do is convince the lion you are not prey and that you may in fact be a danger to the lion.
• Fight back if a lion attacks you. Lions have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have fought back with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands successfully. Remain standing or try to get back up

(http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/Mammals/Pages/LionCountry1.aspx

Annual Dues Statements have been handed out at the Annual Meeting or mailed out to your address we have on file. As a reminder, Dues are $700 per lot and if you have a home on your lot, Water Fee is $200.  If you were given your statement at the Annual Meeting, please note the return mailing address is incorrect.  Please mail your payment to:  SCLA, 120 Riverview Trail, Antonito, CO  81120 by September 15, 2013.  If you have already mailed it to the address on the invoice, I will still get them, just a little delayed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dee Kessler at deekessler57@gmail.com or call (719) 376-2322.

The ARC requests that all homeowners purchase a reflective blue metal address sign from the Conjeos County Land Use Office so that homes can be easily located and identified for emergency response teams when needed.  Small metal signs are $9, large signs are $15, and can be ordered in horizontal or vertical form.  For more information, contact Linda de Herrera, Conejos County Land Use Office at 719-376-2014.