In footage that’s sure to send chills down the spines of Coloradans with homes in remote, forested areas, five mountain lions were captured in a single home security camera clip at a Larimer County home near Carter Lake last week.

According to Denver7, the lions walked through the property at about 9:30 p.m. In the clip, the mountain lions can be seen strolling by in a relatively well-lit area near what appears to be a shed.

While spotting even a single mountain lion is rare, spotting such a large group is especially uncommon. Adult mountain lions don’t typically spend much time with other adult members of their species, thus in this clip, it’s likely that a mother and her offspring are what’s being seen.

It’s no secret that mountain lions are a part of life in Colorado, though their elusive nature and tendency to avoid civilization – especially during the day – can make their presence easy to overlook. Remember – if prey animals are nearby, it’s likely their predators are, too.

In general, mountain lions aren’t much of a risk to humans, though they can become aggressive if injured, threatened, or desperate for food. A loud noise is typically enough to scare an interested big cat off, but if it’s not, it’s crucial to know how to react to avoid an attack.

If a person encounters an aggressive big cat, the individual should stand tall and wave their arms while talking loudly to the animal and slowly backing away while maintaining eye contact. If the lion approaches, throw objects in the direction of the lion. Never turn and run and never crouch down. If the lion attacks, fight back.

Mountain lions in Colorado are more likely to cause problems when it comes to pets than they are for humans, as pets left unattended can be an easy target. This makes it crucial for pet owners to watch their animals while they’re outside, also keeping the space they’re in well lit. Eliminating potential hiding places can also be important, including bushes and overgrowth. Mountain lions are also known to hide under decks or on roofs.

The punchline is – in mountain lion country, be aware. You might not see them, but they might be there. There’s no need to live in fear, but exercise caution to avoid an encounter.