Five Adorable Mountain Lions Caught on Camera in Boulder Canyon [VIDEO]

We here in Colorado are no strangers to animal run-ins, but I’m not going to lie, I don’t think anyone can really be prepared for Simba’s mountain relatives to come knocking for Thanksgiving. But, as shown on 9News, that’s just what happened to Anita Vaughn, whose doorbell cam caught these 5 kitties slipping through the yard around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.

I know, it’s a bit rude of them to show up THAT early for the holidays.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, mountain lions are one of the largest big cats in North America and often live up around 12 years in the wild. Although usually solitary, with one lion occupying 10-370 square miles of territory, females rear their kittens for over a year after birth as they learn to hunt and survive on their own. Mountain lions also tend to give birth between April and July, often to 2-3 cubs, and have been known to adopt kittens who’ve lost their mothers. Knowing that, Vaughn probably caught a glimpse of a small, roving family. I’d even believe it, given that the first lion who enters the scene seems to walk in a much more long-suffering, low-key manner in comparison to the other four. Especially the two who scampered around the corner in the first few seconds of the video. If they really are a family, then all those cubs are probably a handful—I salute you, mom. Those are some legitimate parenting skills.

Mountain lions with kittens protect their young fiercely and bring their children to their kills, sometimes returning multiple times if they don’t finish their prey the first go around (but I doubt this particular family has that problem). When this is the case, mountain lions will often move their prey to a new hiding spot after feeding, burying their kill with sticks, leaves and dirt to keep it secure. So, if you’re ever out hiking or camping and come across some buried animal remains, don’t hang around. This family of critters may be on their way back for brunch.

Speaking of human/creature interactions, I’m sure none of us need a reminder after the number of mountain lion incidents we’ve had this year, but if you come across one of Colorado’s big cats, don’t try to engage. Even lions that have been fed by people before or seem “tame” (notice the quotation marks) can become aggressive without warning. Yeah, it’s probably better that we keep our Thanksgiving and their Thanksgiving thoroughly separate.

Still, at least the kids are cute.