 |
|
09/12/05, 10:06 AM
|
 |
Me Love Your Face
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 537
|
|
|
*sigh* Cougar Hanging Out In Area
We have a big mountain lion hanging out on the edges of our property. Sneaky bugger.
The dog usually goes ballistic when he sees or hears him, and usually the coug will melt into the forest without incident. But one time hubby was out in the yard near twilight by the chicken coop and the coug leaped out at the dog (who was standing next to hubby!)
At least hubby thinks he jumped at the dog. Privately, I think he might've been jumping hubby (who was armed, BTW) and then changed his mind when he saw the dog.
When our dog reacted with a major woof and lunge, the coug ran down one of the trails, only to turn and face the dog when he came barrelling after him. Then he went up a tree, then down...it was a merry go round that evening.
Caught him the other night sitting at the edge of the property, just watching the house, about 20 yards away from the front door. Nailed him with the big spotlight we keep inside. He stared at me for a few moments (gotta love those glittering green eyes in the darkness), then turned and went into the forest.
We've seen him around the edges of the property at least four or five times now, always at dusk, twilight or dark. I'm worried about letting the kids (7 and 2) play outside for fear of them getting dragged off into the woods. We've only seen him in the evenings but I know they do hang out and watch for hours before grabbing.
Wondering if this guy is hungry enough to go for the chickens or dog now, how bold is he going to be when winter comes and food is more scarce?
On an up note, hubby got his cougar tag this weekend, so as of October 1st, he can bag this guy if he continues hanging around the property.
Feh, there's so much deer around here, you'd think he'd be happy to go after that, but noooo, he's gotta eyeball the chickens, dog, and KIDS!
__________________
Gun-toting, church-going, homeschooling, right-wing conservative, happily married, stay-at-home mom of three living in the real United States of America!
|
09/12/05, 10:23 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
|
|
Cougar Hanging Out In Area
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ThreeJane
We have a big mountain lion hanging out on the edges of our property. Sneaky bugger.
The dog usually goes ballistic when he sees or hears him, and usually the coug will melt into the forest without incident. But one time hubby was out in the yard near twilight by the chicken coop and the coug leaped out at the dog (who was standing next to hubby!)
At least hubby thinks he jumped at the dog. Privately, I think he might've been jumping hubby (who was armed, BTW) and then changed his mind when he saw the dog.
When our dog reacted with a major woof and lunge, the coug ran down one of the trails, only to turn and face the dog when he came barrelling after him. Then he went up a tree, then down...it was a merry go round that evening.
Caught him the other night sitting at the edge of the property, just watching the house, about 20 yards away from the front door. Nailed him with the big spotlight we keep inside. He stared at me for a few moments (gotta love those glittering green eyes in the darkness), then turned and went into the forest.
We've seen him around the edges of the property at least four or five times now, always at dusk, twilight or dark. I'm worried about letting the kids (7 and 2) play outside for fear of them getting dragged off into the woods. We've only seen him in the evenings but I know they do hang out and watch for hours before grabbing.
Wondering if this guy is hungry enough to go for the chickens or dog now, how bold is he going to be when winter comes and food is more scarce?
On an up note, hubby got his cougar tag this weekend, so as of October 1st, he can bag this guy if he continues hanging around the property.
Feh, there's so much deer around here, you'd think he'd be happy to go after that, but noooo, he's gotta eyeball the chickens, dog, and KIDS!
|
(I had to retype this several times - the adrenaline rush was too much to spell correctly............... the danger level of your situation brought me to the edge of my seat in a flash....)
Do not hesitate to drop this cat!!!! You have it exactly right! This cat is waiting for the moment you leave your children alone and it will pounce before you can even blink!!!!!!!!
I would not-repeat-not take the chance with it. Who cares if the season opens in Oct? I would setting my shooting position up right now and making an appointment with this cat and any other animal that "stalks" my family and home.
There is something that is going on with the wildlife that has become a distinct trend - we have become part of the food chain for many of the lager animals everything from the wild cats, mountain lions, bears and so on....
Big cats have taken joggers - don't underestimate this one....
If the animal can perceive a quick, free meal =- watch out! Your little ones and animals don't stand a chance!!!!! Please! All those with little ones out on a hometsead, farm, rural property and even camping with children - watch out for them and yourselves at ALL costs! Do not be complacent with a wild animal that "comes a callin'" - it is attracted by an easy meal!!!
Don't allow this to becom a a tragedy - drop the cat! Just don't talk about it.
|
09/12/05, 10:31 AM
|
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: tn
Posts: 4,910
|
|
|
please make sure you get a positive ID before you pull the trigger.
|
09/12/05, 10:46 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
|
|
Agreed - but, don't take a chance -
Recall her closing remarks:
"Feh, there's so much deer around here, you'd think he'd be happy to go after that, but noooo, he's gotta eyeball the chickens, dog, and KIDS!"
I'd rather be making my apologies to a dead predator rather than face the anguish and tragedy of one of my children being taken by one further, - a "case of mistaken identity" ? A predator sitting, watching and waiting for...?
BLAM! Sorry, wrong mountain lion....... hey, there's another one doing the same thing.... BLAM!.......
"Kids trust parents to keep them safe - Honour their Trust"
Would you take the same attitude with a wild dog? Oh, it must be someone's pet......... wild dog packs are frightening enough to watch, try facing off with one - I've been in that position twice -once in the middle east and once in the Balkans (Yugoslavia)
|
09/12/05, 11:34 AM
|
 |
Unapologetically me
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,643
|
|
I agree, if it shows up, shoot it and get rid of it.
Season be hanged.
I was told by a game warden if a wolf shows up in the yard, not to shoot it because it's protected.
I told him if a wolf shows up in our yard, he'll never know about it. 
Don't take chances when they are coming right up on you like that.
Shoot to kill, not to scare.
__________________
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain
______________________________________________
Enforced tolerance is oppression
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
|
09/12/05, 11:37 AM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Alaska
Posts: 4,528
|
|
|
I'm not an advocate of killing predators indiscriminately but this one certainly sounds like it is bold and has little fear of humans. That makes it incredibly dangerous to your kids and you. Hard to get off a shot once it is on you. I too vote for SSS and don't wait until Oct 1.
|
09/12/05, 11:41 AM
|
 |
Schnauzer nut
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Mena, Arkansas
Posts: 260
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Wolf Hound
(I had to retype this several times - the adrenaline rush was too much to spell correctly............... the danger level of your situation brought me to the edge of my seat in a flash....)
Do not hesitate to drop this cat!!!! You have it exactly right! This cat is waiting for the moment you leave your children alone and it will pounce before you can even blink!!!!!!!!
I would not-repeat-not take the chance with it. Who cares if the season opens in Oct? I would setting my shooting position up right now and making an appointment with this cat and any other animal that "stalks" my family and home.
There is something that is going on with the wildlife that has become a distinct trend - we have become part of the food chain for many of the lager animals everything from the wild cats, mountain lions, bears and so on....
Big cats have taken joggers - don't underestimate this one....
If the animal can perceive a quick, free meal =- watch out! Your little ones and animals don't stand a chance!!!!! Please! All those with little ones out on a hometsead, farm, rural property and even camping with children - watch out for them and yourselves at ALL costs! Do not be complacent with a wild animal that "comes a callin'" - it is attracted by an easy meal!!!
Don't allow this to becom a a tragedy - drop the cat! Just don't talk about it.
|
I totally agree. This cats behavior indicates that it has no fear of humans. Big cats have taken adults.....it wouldn't hesitate to take a child. This is not normal behavior for these animals. There is something wrong either with the cat or that his environment has been squeezed to the point that it is going outside of it's norms. Another possibility is that it was raised by people. Seems a lot of folks think it is neat to raise these things as pets then when their pets get to be dangerous they release them in the wild....thinking that the animal will be happy and free....instead of the deadly danger it is. Lots of folks don't realise it but the Texas piney woods have lots of cougars. You can hear them sometimes and occasionally you might get a glimpse of one. They normally do not voluntarily come near humans and will avoid contact. I would advise contacting your local fish and wildlife dept but after having dealt with them a few times, I strongly suggest SSS.
__________________
My goal in life is to someday be half as great as my dog thinks I am!!
|
09/12/05, 11:45 AM
|
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: wyoming/ now tennessee
Posts: 559
|
|
|
If you see the cat again, Mark that day on your calendar. The cat has included you on the route that makes up his domain. He will probably be back in about 28 days. I know this is sounding alittle crazy, but this is how they patrol it. If you really want it gone. Look around for a trapper or man with cat hounds. Call them they will get with you about the best way for them to be effective. Also now that the cougar has made his marks on the boundaries of his claim, you might get him. And another might take his place in the future. Another thing the meat is good, but it dosen't taste like chicken. shadowwalker
|
09/12/05, 12:22 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Zone 9b, Lake Harney, Central FL
Posts: 4,898
|
|
|
Sounds like the cougar thinks it is open season on your kids!
|
09/12/05, 12:34 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,240
|
|
|
I agree that it seems very dangerous especially hanging around your place. Since this is the middle of September, I would start feeding it and giving it it's free, easy meals. Please the food out about 1 hour before dark and keep your dog inside or tied. Have the "feeding" area in a nice place where come October 1st, you can give it it's last meal. (I know, I know, it's illegal to bait something you plan on shooting, but TOO BAD!). Whatever you do, DO NOT get the game commission involved as they won't do anything and if they catch you baiting and killing, you'll be in big trouble. You want to have that thing used to coming in to eat so one shot will drop it and kill it.
You don't want your husband to try and shoot it and miss it. It may scare it away or it may just make it more cautios and you won't know for sure (and then you will never feel safe there). For peace of mind, feed it and then kill it.
Keep your kids inside or very near the house and dog until the thing is dead and don't tell your neighbors and friends anything about it. If your husband kills it during the season, spread the word, but if killed before it's legal tell everybody it must have moved on. You DON'T want a visit from the game commission!
__________________
Michael W. Smith in North-West Pennsylvania
"Everything happens for a reason."
|
09/12/05, 12:35 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
|
|
Cougar
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ThreeJane
We have a big mountain lion hanging out on the edges of our property. Sneaky bugger.
The dog usually goes ballistic when he sees or hears him, and usually the coug will melt into the forest without incident. But one time hubby was out in the yard near twilight by the chicken coop and the coug leaped out at the dog (who was standing next to hubby!)
At least hubby thinks he jumped at the dog. Privately, I think he might've been jumping hubby (who was armed, BTW) and then changed his mind when he saw the dog.
When our dog reacted with a major woof and lunge, the coug ran down one of the trails, only to turn and face the dog when he came barrelling after him. Then he went up a tree, then down...it was a merry go round that evening.
Caught him the other night sitting at the edge of the property, just watching the house, about 20 yards away from the front door. Nailed him with the big spotlight we keep inside. He stared at me for a few moments (gotta love those glittering green eyes in the darkness), then turned and went into the forest.
We've seen him around the edges of the property at least four or five times now, always at dusk, twilight or dark. I'm worried about letting the kids (7 and 2) play outside for fear of them getting dragged off into the woods. We've only seen him in the evenings but I know they do hang out and watch for hours before grabbing.
Wondering if this guy is hungry enough to go for the chickens or dog now, how bold is he going to be when winter comes and food is more scarce?
On an up note, hubby got his cougar tag this weekend, so as of October 1st, he can bag this guy if he continues hanging around the property.
Feh, there's so much deer around here, you'd think he'd be happy to go after that, but noooo, he's gotta eyeball the chickens, dog, and KIDS!
|
IMHO - a LOT of VERY good advise for you from poeple who have experienced, encountered or have had the misfortune of being confronted with such a threat - I'm not cold hearted believe me, but, in good concience I had to respond to the initial topic.
It's true that animals are creatures of habit and instinct. I agree that the cat has established his/her territory. If it's a male - you will know, have a walk (armed) in the warmer part of the day through a portion of his "AO" and take a sniff - cats are cats........ if no scent but lots of tracks, suspect a female...
In terms of the cat's familiar attitude around humans... possibly, perhaps some one did own it as a "pet" and then "cut it loose"..... animals will always resort to some level of instinct, the cat has survived thus far and the fact that it out ran your dog, did the "super cat" up the tree to E&E and made it safely "outta dodge" (for now) shows you that it's got it's "sh*t" together is a further warning... don't depend on whatever "civilizing" it might have had....
Recall the story of the high school student who had her neck snapped by a tiger "taking a cuddly shot" - nobody could "understand how such a tragedy could take place, the tiger never showed...."
Pls, don't make the mistake of underestimating the seriousness of the situation, watch over your family - Honour their Trust
Last edited by Wolf Hound; 09/12/05 at 12:38 PM.
Reason: spelling
|
09/12/05, 12:56 PM
|
|
jack of all master of...?
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wa
Posts: 13
|
|
|
If you kill it...and you should, before season opens you MUST contact your state dept of wildlife or whtever they call it. think you hiddin the corspse well enough....probably not, we read about these things all the time.
If its a threat to you and yours you have a lawfull right to protect it. but you MUST tell the state or run the risk of huge fines etc.
And considering y'all have a tag, the warden would probably let you keep the body if you want it.
Get rid of it and fast , but DO NOT try to hide it.....I cant beleive some of the advice you got here...geesh
|
09/12/05, 01:05 PM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 5,373
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by creekfreak
If you kill it...and you should, before season opens you MUST contact your state dept of wildlife or whtever they call it. think you hiddin the corspse well enough....probably not, we read about these things all the time.
If its a threat to you and yours you have a lawfull right to protect it. but you MUST tell the state or run the risk of huge fines etc.
And considering y'all have a tag, the warden would probably let you keep the body if you want it.
Get rid of it and fast , but DO NOT try to hide it.....I cant beleive some of the advice you got here...geesh
|
This is not true in all states. In Texas, they said they would appreciate a call AFTER you kill the big cat, so that they can keep track of them. As long as you have a hunting license, there is no closed season on cougars.
|
09/12/05, 01:25 PM
|
|
Me Love Your Face
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 537
|
|
Good info, will have hubby read this thread when he gets home.
Oh, and I was informed earlier today that when I spotlighted the coug the other night, he was more like 100 yards away from the front door, not 20. I'm terrible with distances.
Embarrassing.
But still close enough for me to go  when the 2 year old gets outside and I see her wandering around from the picture windows...
__________________
Gun-toting, church-going, homeschooling, right-wing conservative, happily married, stay-at-home mom of three living in the real United States of America!
|
09/12/05, 01:40 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,274
|
|
|
You have a legal right to protect your property, your family and yourself from emminent danger. Unfortunately, it may take a lawyer to protect yourself from the Division of Wildlife. Take some pictures to document the cougar's repeated appearance. Kill it on your property, if it has to be before hunting season when you can stalk it. Without the hunting permit, you wouldn't be allowed to use the meat if you did kill it. Since October is so close, I don't think you have much risk in that area.
My suspicion is the cougar is attracted by the chickens. His boldness is certainly cause for alarm.
|
09/12/05, 01:49 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
|
|
|
"wanders from the picture window......" eeyah!!!
Smile for the birdy -cat-BLAM! Then take a picture of it at your feet, on your property....
100m away....? 270WIN, 30-06, 303, 308, 375 WINMAG use the right tool - don't give it a second chance to scoot.... fingers are crossed...... Honour their Trust......
|
09/12/05, 01:52 PM
|
 |
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: So Cal Mtns
Posts: 11,301
|
|
|
Im not a hunter to a large degree anmore,I appreciate wildlife.But this cat is a threat,it has to go.
BooBoo
|
09/12/05, 02:00 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 91
|
|
I lived along the Front Range in Colorado many years ago. They posted signs on trails warning people with small children and dogs to beware. They actually gave instructions on what to do if confronted by a cougar. Make yourself look as big as possible. A totally stupid idea if you ask me. It may help, but diddlysquat.
I'm very much into the environment being a birdwatcher, but when it comes to human safety and especially that of children, I believe the environmentalist wackos are going overboard in encouraging predatory animals to thrive in areas more populated by humans.
In Colorado people jogging along roads have been jumped and killed by cougars. Families hiking trails have had children killed by these creatures. Sometimes cougars follow creek paths and end up down in the cities. They do prey on humans and you are very wise to be alarmed.
If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't let my children out of the house at all until that animal is dealt with. I can't tell you how to do that, but I'd consider that animal every bit as dangerous as a sexual predator living on my street.
I'll pray God protects your family until you can get this resolved. (Found this thread you might be interested in: http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/arc...p/t-54932.html)
__________________
LilyRose
|
09/12/05, 02:03 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Western New York State
Posts: 47
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by creekfreak
If you kill it...and you should, before season opens you MUST contact your state dept of wildlife or whtever they call it. think you hiddin the corspse well enough....probably not, we read about these things all the time.
If its a threat to you and yours you have a lawfull right to protect it. but you MUST tell the state or run the risk of huge fines etc.
And considering y'all have a tag, the warden would probably let you keep the body if you want it.
Get rid of it and fast , but DO NOT try to hide it.....I cant beleive some of the advice you got here...geesh
|
This advice will land you in deep $%!#,
The DEC will have no reason to look on your property for the cat! Drive it somewhere and toss it if you are that worried about it ,But this nonsence about the Warden being your friend and allowing you to keep the carcass is rediculous!In the eyes of fish and wildlife this cat has more rights than you or your family.You shoot that thing out of season, and that is what you will be charged with!(Case closed)Unless you have injuries to prove you where attacked. The DEC are probably the ones who released it ,Thats why its so Bold!
Shoot It,Dispose of it,KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ABOUT IT!
|
09/12/05, 02:32 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 18
|
|
|
Cougar
Agreed! Delete my earlier comments re "watch the birdy - cat" i - insert - pace off the distance to where you've seen the cat and several other likely spots, record the dist (notebook) mark the spots with surveyor tape - sight your rifle accordingly - don't miss, take a shovel......... don't talk about it
And, to reinforce-
Do not-repeat-do not allow your children to roam about until this situation is resolved - ie no more threat.........
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Rate This Thread |
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:20 AM.
|
|
