Rare Sighting: Mountain Lion Takes a Swim at Navajo State Park
Most of us think of mountain lions as elusive land predators, but a recent encounter at Navajo State Park proved just how versatile these big cats really are. Visitors on an early morning fishing trip watched in awe as a mountain lion swam across the lake, climbed onto shore, and disappeared back into the wilderness.
While the image of a house cat avoiding water comes to mind, mountain lions are a very different story. These powerful animals are surprisingly strong swimmers, with documented cases of them traveling more than a mile offshore. Their comfort in the water gives them an advantage in the wild, helping them cross rivers, lakes, or reservoirs when necessary.
The video of the Navajo State Park sighting, captured by guest Susan Service and later shared by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, offers a rare look at this behavior. For wildlife officials, it’s a reminder that mountain lions are highly adaptable predators, capable of thriving in a variety of environments.
If you ever happen to see a mountain lion in or near water, experts say there’s no reason to panic. The animal is likely just moving from one location to another. The best response is the same as spotting one on land: keep your distance, give it space, and let nature run its course.
Colorado is home to thousands of mountain lions, but sightings like this highlight just how much there still is to learn about the state’s most mysterious cats.
