Mountain Lion Cubs,Sept. 11, 2011

by Kim Upson
(Glade Park)

Last week as I was driving home on DS Rd., I was startled to see three mountain lion cubs on the side of the road. They were startled to see me too and froze for a minute to assess the situation. Two of them crossed in front of me, I had stopped, and the third climbed up the hill and ducked in to a small hidey hole and disappeared.

These guys were still fairly small, a little bigger than a bob cat,and they had spots sort of like an ocelot.

What a marvelous surprise; also a conflicting experience knowing they will be a threat to livestock and even humans
eventually. I wouldn't want to meet up with one of them in the wild for certain. Last spring we saw big lion tracks around our creek and discussed carrying a side arm.

Be that as it may, for now, I'm thrilled at having had the chance to see these beautiful creatures and hope they stay out of sight and out of trouble.