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Earlier this week a cougar, or mountain lion, bit a woman trying to break up a fight between the cat and her dog. The bites weren’t serious, and it appears the dog will be okay too. It could have been much worse. Despite the facts of the incident, the glaring headlines reported the woman had been attacked by the cougar. Unfortunately, this is how incidents like this get out of hand. Now before you start thinking I’m an animal lover out to save the poor ol’ mountain lion, hear me out first. In all my years on open range as a cowboy and range management officer with Storey County, I have only seen one mountain lion in the wild. And it jumped out in front of me on a road behind Virginia City one hot afternoon many years ago. I was horse back at the time, and was glad my horse wasn’t paying attention or it could have been a rough ride while it lasted. The point is, it is a rare thing to see one, let alone be attacked by one. Now I’ve heard stories around the camp fire about lions that will stalk a cowboy just waiting for the opportunity to jump him. And I can certainly attest to the fact that I lost a calf at the ranch to a lion one winter, and we had a report once of a lion chasing a car one day on the Geiger Grade. (Don’t ask. I have no idea..) But there has only been one documented case of a lion deliberately attacking a man in Nevada. And that was down on the Nevada test site in 1991. The man wasn’t seriously injured. But movies and tall tales have given the lion a bad rap. And the recent headlines haven’t helped the situation either. Don’t misunderstand me. If I was outside and a lion attacked one of my dogs, I’d be in a panic. And I’d probably jump in the fray and end up getting bit just like the lady in the Highlands did. But it’s important to remember that the cat wasn’t lying in wait to attack the woman. He or she was after the dog, which under the circumstances was nothing more than prey. Understanding animal behavior is the key to understanding that incidents like this do happen. If a lion or bear or any other predator has enough of its natural prey to hunt, it leave other critters alone. Unfortunately though, when there is not enough for a lion to eat, it will certainly look for prey of opportunity, just like a coyote will. (Coyotes will eat just about anything.) So don’t blame the lion for doing what he has to do to stay alive. Keep a close eye on your pets especially during these lean times of winter. Be alert at night if you have to take your pet outside. The best protection is to deny a lion an opportunity for an easy meal. And that is your responsibility. By the way, if you ever hear a sound like a baby crying somewhere in the wild? It’s probably a lion. Be seein’ you. |
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Posted by: Phil Location: Little Rock
Hey, if Tyson says it, I believe it. I knew him when he carried a single-action .45 Posted by: rielly Location: bangalore its good rielly Weight Loss Diet Posted by: rielly Location: INDIA Don’t misunderstand me. If I was outside and a lion attacked one of my dogs, I’d be in a panic. And I’d probably jump in the fray and end up getting bit just like the lady in the Highlands did. But it’s important to remember that the cat wasn’t lying in wait to attack the woman. He or she was after the dog, which under the circumstances was nothing more than prey. Understanding animal behavior is the key to understanding that incidents like this do happen. RIELLY Weight Loss Diet Posted by: fred Location: reno You figure----that unknown man down by the river----the federals have gotten a scam to steal all wages and reward money Posted by: Peter Location: Dayton John - Thanks for speaking up for the big cats, I know you as a straight shooter and appreciate the fact someone is speaking up for the cats on this one. Good job, Cowboy ! I have seen one cat in the whole time I have been up here, it was louse town road, it was evening and I was returning from work in 7 mile canyon, cat wasn't hurting anyone, and, truth be told, it was an incredible sight to see that lion sauntering up the road as though she hadn't a care in the world. Maybe if more of them felt that way there wouldn't be so many headlines. Keep up the good work John. Posted by: biojet1 Location: 120 miles S. of B.R.C. Late one afternoon about four years ago an anilmal about as long as a 1995 Ford F150 is wide trotted across Six Mile Canyon, about 75 feet ahead of me.It looked like a very large cat so I'm guessing it was a mountain lion. Posted by: neetu Location: jaipur It is very informative post.Acougar mania or moutainlion are very rare and we don't know about so much.Thanks for details. ------- neetu ------- Car Loans-Car Loans Posted by: brandie Location: sunvalley mr. tyson you are a great peraon and thank you for your shows they are very informative. i have been in nevada for since 95 working and living in and around this area from tahoe truckee washoe fernley carson silversprings well just about every city within 100 miles of here i have only seen three of these beautiful creatures my whole life 2 here and one in so ca they are elusive and would only come down to city areas if they are starving i have had the opportunity to work with them in a zoo and they are beautiful creatures i agree with you the tv and movies give them a bad name. |
