Chronicle Parker
Parker 12-6-2013
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 6
December 6, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourparkernews.com
Mountain lion seen in Parker No cause for alarm, wildlife division says By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com
A pair of Gingersnaps from a production of “The Nutcracker of Parker” watch Sugar Plum Fairy Jenna Carara from the side of the stage at the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Lighting event Nov. 29 at O’Brien Park.
Light the
LIGHTS
Hundreds gathered to sing carols and watch the lighting of the O’Brien Park trees on Nov. 29. They also enjoyed a preview of “The Nutcracker of Parker,” which is in its 10th year and is showing at the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center Dec. 19-22. The Mayor’s Annual Holiday Lighting has become a tradition shared by families who want to get into the holiday spirit. Santa and Mrs. Claus even paid a visit and took gift requests. Hot chocolate was the preferred drink, despite mild temperatures.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS MICHLEWICZ
Three-year-old Conner Danjou gets his picture taken with St. Nick during the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Lighting celebration Nov. 29 at O’Brien Park.
surgeries provide chance for uninsured
Lion continues on Page 20
OpWalk in second year at Parker Adventist
mountain lion encounters
By Chris Michlewicz
Encounters between humans and mountain lions are increasingly common in Colorado, as people are occupying more and more lion habitat. If you encounter a mountain lion, experts advise: • Stay calm. • Talk calmly yet firmly to the animal. • Move slowly. • Stop or back away slowly. • Do not run. • Raise your arms to appear larger. • If the lion behaves aggressively, throw stones, branches, or whatever you can find. • Do not crouch down or turn your back. • Fight back if a lion attacks you. Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com It’s not very often that people look forward to surgery. For Eddie Gallegos, going under the knife means new opportunities, and a chance to get his life back. His knee, injured in a 1999 car accident and re-aggravated when he slipped on ice in 2011, causes excruciating pain, to the point where he can’t stand for more than half an hour without having to sit. Sometimes, he is unable to sleep. Gallegos was forced to quit his job at a warehouse, leaving him without health insurance. He has relied on a wheelchair and pain medication from a free clinic for the last two years, just to get by. A phone call last spring changed everything. After narrowly missing the cut the year before, Gallegos was selected for Operation OpWalk continues on Page 6
The Parker Police Department is warning residents to be on the lookout for a mountain lion after multiple sightings were reported. The agency took calls Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from Parker residents who spotted what is believed to be the same mountain lion. Sightings have been reported as far west as Hilltop Road and Pine Drive and as far east as Canterberry Trail and Wanderlust Drive, near the entrance to the Canterberry Crossing neighborhood. Police officers are increasing patrols in the areas where the big cat has been seen. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is aware of its presence and police are asking witnesses to call in its location so officers can track it. Jennifer Churchill, spokeswoman for the wildlife division, said there is no cause for alarm and referred to it as a “keepyour-eyes-open situation.” “It’s not unheard of for lions to end up in that area. We do have sightings from time to time,” she said. Because of the proximity of the sightings, it is likely the same mountain lion, Churchill said, but added that it also could be a dispersing family group. There are no plans to trap or euthanize the animal. Although mountain lions are widely considered to be a big threat to humans, a recent study in Boulder revealed that they “do everything they can to avoid humans,” Churchill said. They are generally active from dusk until dawn. The mountain lion seen in Parker could be trying to find new territory or passing through. It is more likely to be attracted by the abundance of deer rather than house pets. Coyotes and foxes are more of a danger to family pets in backyards than mountain lions, Churchill said, but owners are advised to not leave their pets unattended. Mountain lions were particularly active in the Parker area in 2006. There were three sightings in the Timbers area of the Pinery in April of that year. Three months later, the police department received re-
Eddie Gallegos, 52, said he was nervous and grateful going into a knee surgery as part of OpWalk, which provides surgery and pre- and post-operative care at no cost to patients without insurance. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
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