Mountain Lion Prowling around my House
By stealthy
@stealthy (8181)
United States
February 17, 2012 6:22pm CST
This morning when I looked out to see if there was any new snow, I saw there were some tracks in the snow that was left from the last snow fall. When I went out to take a closer look it was obvious they had been made by a large mountain lion. There were several large paw prints where the pads were visible and even some claw markets. From the size of the prints and the stride, it was clear it was a big one. Later I talked with my next door neighbor and he confirmed what I suspected that it had gone inside his open gate and into other parts of his yard. He agreed that it was a large mountain lion. I live in the foot hills of some mountains but I'm also in a large residential area that is part of a relatively large city. Even so mountain lions and bears do come down; especially with the very dry year we had last year. The news has reported many sightings of both. I have personally never seen either animal and these tracks are the closest I have come to it.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
18 Feb 12
Wow, that's really scary! If you live in an area that has snow all winter, maybe it's hungry and looking for food. Usually, don't they stay away from humans?
I wish you could have posted some pictures of the paw prints. The most I ever see here where I live is cat paw prints, dogs, skunks...mostly animals that live within the city.
I bet you have a beautiful home and beautiful view. I always wanted to get a cabin but not really alongside mountain lions, lol! Or bears! I'd be creeped out since I live alone, gives me the willy's.
What if you put up a video camera to see if you can capture the image of this beautiful animal, but scary animal.
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I only have film cameras and no film right now. I keep thinking I will get a digital camera since taking pictures would be a lot easier and cheaper even though buying a camera wouldn't be. I would have really liked to take a picture of the paw prints but the snow has mostly melted where the clear prints were.
1 person likes this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
18 Feb 12
Oh, so you do have snow. It's so hard for these animals to feed themselves in the winter that I think they come in towards the city for some food. Does that sound right to you?
You can probably pick up a digital camera for a decent price now in comparison to what they were years ago. Even a kids digital will take some good pictures for the moment.
Sounds like a very pretty area though but just be careful. If you have dogs or cats, I'd really be extra careful putting them out....just a thought.
@AmbiePam (120841)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I sure hope none of your neighbors keep their dogs outside. Does that scare you to know it was so close to your home? What would freak me out is that I've seen shows where owners have videotaped mountain lions or cougars that have somehow broken a window and have gotten into their house.
@Shellyann36 (11383)
• United States
18 Feb 12
Oh do please be careful. You should always be aware if you are going to take a walk in the neighborhood and if you have pets that you let outside you have to be aware that they are perfect targets for a hungry mountain lion. Did you or your neighbor call your local Animal Control or local Game Wardens? Our county had a bear wander through back during the summer. The local Game Wardens coordinated with the local police & county sheriff's department to get the bear back on track into the wooded areas and away from the city. It took them several hours and countless road blocks (to assure the bear had passage) but they finally managed it. Apparently here the young adult males get kicked out of the territory they grew up in by the older dominate male bears and wander from one area of the state to another to find a different local. I hope you stay safe and treat this as a serious problem.
@almond24 (1248)
• Hungary
18 Feb 12
I'm not sure just guessing that mountain lions refer to cougars - it's scary that they don't stay away from a city. Where I live the wilder animals than wild boars are very rare, so I guess I would really freak out seeing some large paw prints or tracks. I would make sure there is no food around the house and they can't get inside.
