[pct-l] Mountain Lions

[Lonetrail at aol.com (Lonetrail@aol.com)]

There are several rangers at the Cleveland National Forest who has been  
making studies on the mountain lion in that area for a number of years. They  will 
give presentation to groups. I  would rate their lecture at 100  percent.
Lonetrail:

The  mountain lion population in So. Cal has been increasing, and a number  of
hikers have reported seeing them and their tracks.  I myself have  seen one
near North Fork Station, and Jeff has seen two in our  area.

Mountain lions are proliferating, and because they are no longer  hunted have
become emboldened and have lost their fear of man.  The  lions Jeff saw
locally were fearless -- and that is a sign of a problem  developing.  

I strongly recommend reading "The Beast in the  Garden, A Modern Parable of
Man and Nature" by David Barron  www.beastinthegarden.com  It is the true
story of how the return of  mountain lions, coupled with modern attitudes and
policies, around Boulder,  Colorado led to the death of a young runner and
other attacks upon humans  and domesticated animals.  I was someone who
thought that the lions  were a non-issue, but this book made me much more
aware of the folly of my  attitude.  I agree with what one reviewer said:

"I would suggest  that anybody who spends any time outdoors should definitely
read this  book.  If you live in the foothills, you should read this book.
If you  send your kids off to summer camp, you should read this book.  If  you
simply walk the suburban creek-side trails, read this  book."

Take the threat of mountain lions as seriously as you take that  of
rattlesnakes or bears.  They ARE out there, they ARE becoming  bolder, and
they CAN and HAVE attacked. Being aware of what's in the  environment you're
traveling through is as important as what kind of gear  you're using --
probably more important.

L-Rod

-----Original  Message-----
From:  pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net]  On Behalf Of Tom Aterno
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2006 12:14 AM
To:  pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Mountain Lions

I  thought that I should let everyone know that a woman was killed by a  
mountain lion several years ago (mid 1990s) in San Diego county.  The  
attack occurred on Cuyamaca Peak, which is located just to the west of  
Cuyamaca Lake.  The cougar was killed shortly afterwards.  This  cat was 
sick and malnourished, which was believed to have been the cause  of 
this unusual attack.  I have lived in San Diego since 1988, and  this is 
the only attack I am aware of.  I had never seen a cougar in  the wild 
after 17 years of hiking, camping and mountain biking in the San  Diego 
wilderness.

I would not worry about cougars.  Heat,  water crossings and steep 
snowfields are more of a threat to our health  than pretty kitty.

On new years day 2006, I was driving to Desert View  overlook at the 
Grand Canyon.  It was just before dawn.  There  was a thin layer of snow 
on the road.  Not a cloud in the sky.   Temperature was probably 30 
degrees.  As I turned into the parking  lot, a cougar ran across the 
road in front of my car!!!  He was at  full sprint.  What a sight, what 
a beautiful animal.  He was  gone before I could get my camera turned 
on.  I feel very privileged  to have seen him or her.  I also saw two 
elk on way to Desert  View.  Mmmm, elk... yummy cougar food.

Tom,  KI6ASP

_______________________________________________
pct-l mailing  list
pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
unsubscribe or change  options:
http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l


_______________________________________________
pct-l  mailing list
pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
unsubscribe or change  options:
http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l