The state Division of Wildlife intends to capture six mountain lions in the Boulder area and equip them with Global Positioning Systems to track them, according to CBS 4 News.

The intent is to establish how they behave in the presence of humans and to make a count of lions in the area.

State and city officials have recorded numerous sightings of lions in the past few summers. Last year, a 7-year-old boy who was with his family on Flagstaff Mountain was attacked by a lion.

"As we get higher population along the Front Range, it's important for us to find out how mountain lions interact with humans," said DOW spokesman Tyler Baskfield told the television station.

"Are there certain types of human behavior that encourages lions to come in?" he asked rhetorically.

The agency has $60,000 in funding for a one year project. The study could start next month if Boulder County approves.