Boulder Backyard Becomes ‘Linden Ave Zoo’ as Mountain Lions Roam Steps from Homes
A Boulder homeowner’s long-running wildlife project is gaining new attention as Coloradans once again focus on mountain lion activity following a deadly encounter elsewhere in the state. Behind a quiet stretch of Linden Avenue, trail cameras have been capturing a steady stream of wildlife — including mountain lions — moving through a narrow corridor just beyond neighborhood backyards, a scene the homeowner has nicknamed the “Linden Ave Zoo,” according to reporting by FOX31.
Retired resident Todd Ebert says neighbors warned him shortly after he moved in that the area was known locally as “lion alley,” especially for dog owners. Curious and fascinated by wildlife, Ebert set up trail cameras and began documenting what passes through the corridor. Over the years, his cameras have recorded bears, coyotes, foxes, and frequent mountain lion sightings, including one lion he recognizes by a distinctive hooked tail that appeared multiple nights in a single week during December.
Some of the footage has captured especially rare moments, including mountain lion families and cubs stopping directly in front of the camera, offering a close-up look at behavior most people never see. With recent incidents reminding residents how close humans and predators live along the Front Range, Ebert hopes his videos serve as a reminder to stay alert outdoors. He emphasizes making noise, hiking in groups, and understanding that people are sharing space with wildlife — not the other way around.
