Mountain lions in the Valley (Payson: neighborhood, living, food)

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Awesome, thank you. Love the shot of the cougar chasing the deer.

yeah, isn't that amazing?

I also thought it was interesting that bobcat in the pic was so close to the mountain lion. Guess he really wanted water though I bet he was ready to take off like a rocket if that mountain lion decided to turn on the bobcat. Would be interesting which cat is faster.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by stevek64

yeah, isn't that amazing?

I also thought it was interesting that bobcat in the pic was so close to the mountain lion. Guess he really wanted water though I bet he was ready to take off like a rocket if that mountain lion decided to turn on the bobcat. Would be interesting which cat is faster.

Id guess the bobcat to be faster, simply due to the fact it has less weight to toss around, but I could be wrong.

[Montanama]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Good read, thank you!

Ive heard not to run, as it triggers their natural instinct to chase.

Yes, my understanding is that at the point you are face-to-face with a mountain lion, you are about the business of convincing it you are not (easy) prey, and that's your one and only job! Not p*ssing it off might be a secondary but also important consideration, but I'm just spitballin' here.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by Montanama

Yes, my understanding is that at the point you are face-to-face with a mountain lion, you are about the business of convincing it you are not (easy) prey, and that's your one and only job! Not p*ssing it off might be a secondary but also important consideration, but I'm just spitballin' here.

And that is why I hike with a .40 on my hip

[cobramom]

If you find yourself jogging and encounter a mountain lion then you are too close to their habitat. This is because people started building homes on these animals territory.

[stevek64]

Originally Posted by cobramom

If you find yourself jogging and encounter a mountain lion then you are too close to their habitat. This is because people started building homes on these animals territory.

I think it goes beyond building homes. Many are hiking in state parks, national parks, or in back country and may encounter them in this way.

But in this context, I agree....we are in their territory and have to respect that fact.

[Montanama]

Well, I think the point of hiking is to get into the "wild habitat", for the most part. Otherwise you just take a walk along the sidewalk. When we hike, we expect to be in something's habitat, but that doesn't mean we want to have a close encounter.

It was ALL "their" habitat at one point. In my hometown, we are seeing mountain lions entering town more frequently not because their habitat is being invaded, but because they are learning that the urban deer population (which also moved into town for the easy life--they were not here when I was growing up) is easy prey, and along the way they are finding out that house pets are yummy too. And then, one day they are walking along and see that lady jogging, and decide to take a closer look... That's how it has progressed around here. I don't know why it would be any different in the Phx area.

And I'd reiterate--you don't accidentally encounter mountain lions. If you see one it's because it is actively stalking you.

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

Payson...yes...Metro Phoenix...no.

I lived in Payson for 14 years and never saw a mountain lion. Never saw a bear either. Did see plenty of coyotes, deer, elk and javelina though. Spent a lot of time out in the woods and worked at Kohl's Ranch for 6 years...no sightings at all.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

And that is why I hike with a .40 on my hip

Thats all good and dandy, but all the attacks Ive read about, they attack from behind, with stealth. That gun wont do you any good when your neck is snapped from behind by a cat weighing more than you do.

[grmi66]

I frequent the trails up in the White Tanks and my feeling is that about the only trail you will see them on would be Ford Canyon. Even on a busy weekend that trail only sees a handful of people and because of the numerous pools of water along the trail it attracts all sorts of animals. I've seen cat tracks near some of the pools and one time I ran up Ford Canyon it got way too quiet for a few minutes. Did not hear a bird chirp or rabbit rustling in the weeds and it felt like something was watching me. Probably overthinking it, but it was an odd few minutes.

I've mentioned it before, but I do a lot of off trail hiking, running and general exploring around the area. Have seen rattlesnakes, javelinas, coyotes, bobcats, ringtail cats, gila monsters and the only thing that makes me nervous are the bees.