[pct-l] Mountain Lions

[ksorbello at hotmail.com (Kimberly Sorbello)]

Does anyone know if Counter Assault bear spray works on cougars/mls?

From: "dsaufley" <dsaufley@sprynet.com>
To: "'Tom Aterno'" <taterno@cox.net>, <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Mountain Lions
Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 11:31:47 -0800

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

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