You have plenty of good advice re you and your family, I'd like to address the loss of your poultry. Once they are discovered free ranging you will lose them.
Maybe it's time to build some housing for night time security? Any predator would have to be stupid to pass up a free meal like a domestic bird and most of them are not.some areas like here, can free range birds during the days but not at night. Other places they must be penned 24/7.
I too am in an area with a good population of cougar and bear. I really don't worry about it but I guess it's just habit to take my dogs with me, to keep an eye on what's happening around me(no woolgathering! LOL) and I don't walk down on the river at late evening or very early in the AMs. Grew up in cougar and bear country so it sticks with you. Dogs are a big help as they will alert way before you know anything is close and there is a good chance the cat will get a dog before it gets you.
When hiking away from home I carry pepper spray and a .38. I think I like the idea of being able to make a lot of noise if needed.
Thanks so much for posting the pictures! They are excellant! None of the ones I have had here were that clear.... good show!
We are lucky to live in places where we can sometimes get a glimpse of these beautiful animals and should consider the risks worth it. I think if someone feels they must shoot any large wildlife that's around they need to go live in the city and risk the traffic and druggies.
LQ
