[pct-l] Cougar

[lee staley]

On 4/8/10 8:52 PM, lee staley wrote:
> Oh yeah, as I recall there's plenty of wildlife south of Idyllwild.  
> You probably saw a juvenile "rookie"; it's unlikely a mature adult 
> would let you see him or her, unless you were really, really lucky. 
> Well, better a young cougar going its own way than running into one of 
> those Riverside Co subspecies rattlers.  Some time ago, and in another 
> season, I was going north from the 74 and went over a small rise when 
> I apparently really shook one up:  it tried to pop me from 15 feet 
> away!  After a standoff, it finally felt safe enough to retreat down 
> slope, giving me the buzz the whole time.  These rattlers are almost 
> black - also saw one once in the Lagunas, coiled placidly under a 
> shrub up hill from the trail.  It didn't move a rattle when I went by 
> - apparently tuckered out from it's long trip south from the San 
> Jacintos.  :)
>
> I've seen various other "wild life" in that area. too:  out of season 
> "bow hunters", "exiles" from Palm Springs (you know who you are) and a 
> "squad" of peak baggers clogging the trail.  It's a wonder anyone 
> makes it to Idyllwild! :)
>
> You all stay safe out there - Cruz Control
>
>
> n 4/8/10 5:56 PM, Eugene wrote:
>> While I would have to agree with you, having had seen a small 
>> mountain lion south of Idyllwild yesterday night, I'd much rather not 
>> see a cougar at all.  Yes, I do realize I'm lucky to see a mountain 
>> lion around these parts, but I'd rather not be so 
>> fortunate...especially when I have the insecurity of sleeping in a 
>> bivy.  With my "luck", I'll probably see a lot of bears this year...I 
>> may find that Big Bear is very appropriately named.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sir Mix-a-lot
>