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Thursday, April 23, 2015

A Feline Surprise

On the day before the snow started, my superstar scenting dog led me to something stinky and sad. Here's the scenting dog looking far more serene than when she smells something interesting.
I'll spare you a gory photo - she found an elk carcass, with what looked like a gunshot wound to the head. All that remained was the ribcage, head, and one hind limb.

The next day, the carcass had been moved a long distance and was sitting in the middle of a path that we often mountain bike. It was a spot where I could put a trail camera to document the scavengers that fed upon it.

This was the first photo after I placed the camera there. The usual Corvids, including magpies and ravens, were feeding on it.
Then, about 10 minutes later, the top predator arrived.
Given how quickly he arrived after I departed the site, I suspect that he was very nearby when I placed the camera. He may have even watched me.
He stood still for a little bit, perhaps listening for other scavengers.
He sneaked a peek over his right shoulder before taking action.
Then, he leaned down, grasping the carcass with his teeth.
Sadly for us, he pulled the carcass out of the view of the camera.
I suspect that he didn't stay with the carcass for too long because a coyote came by a few hours later. Coyotes avoid mountain lions whenever they can. A lion can easily kill one who is competing for food.
That night, we got a few feet of deep sloppy snow so Shyla and I didn't go near that spot all week. In retrospect, I'm glad we didn't. I don't want Shyla messing with a carcass that a mountain lion has claimed.
I hiked to the camera by myself today and found those surprising mountain lion photos. Now, I can't wait until I can check other cameras in the area to see if we captured more images of him. I'll never cease to be thrilled by getting photos of our top predator!!!!

I know, from my cameras, that mountain lions are in our midst far more often than we think that they are. Yet, they leave us alone, focusing their energy on eating deer and elk. I'm glad that most people have accepted mountain lions as a critical part of our ecosystem and are willing to accommodate them within our world.

25 comments:

  1. Those pictures are so cool! I love the photos from your wildlife cams!

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  2. Wow you have the most interesting walks, the biggest thing we ever see are squirrels. stella rose

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  3. We have to agree with Stella Rose. Squirrels, an occasional snake, turtle, or toad, and lots of bunnies here:)

    Love that pic of Shyla and her purple wubba.

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  4. some great captures, including the coyote!

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  5. That is so very cool. And the serene Shyla is beautiful.
    Blessings,'
    Goose

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  6. I am glad the people of Colorado are open minded. In my area they see a fox and call animal control to have it trapped and removed. Sigh.

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  7. Howdy mates. You always amaze us with your photos. Your wildlife is so different from ours and we love seeing it. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  8. At least some animals got to benefit from the kill.

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  9. Best to keep distance from a predator's buffet table. Yes, it is fascinating to witness nature, even when gory or sad.

    Your Pals,

    MURPHY AND STANLEY

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  10. Best to keep distance from a predator's buffet table. Yes, it is fascinating to witness nature, even when gory or sad.

    Your Pals,

    MURPHY AND STANLEY

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  11. Just love the cat photos and Shyla too of course
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  12. Shyla is much cuter with her purple wubba than with a big bloody bone!! Just sayin'... though I'm sure neither she nor Otto would agree with me!!

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  13. You captured the coolest photos!!!
    Just think of how strong that mountain lions jaws are- to drag the carcass off.
    Amazing
    love
    tweedles

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  14. KB said:"I don't want Shyla messing with a carcass a mountain lion has claimed."

    He might want her Wubba too! A pups gotta be careful in the woods.

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  15. I love seeing those photos of the animals in their environment doing what comes naturally.

    Anne and Sasha

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  16. You sure do have the most exciting days, KB!

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  17. I had a different kitty in my mind as I read "feline" lol... but I'm so sorry for the elk...
    easy rider

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  18. Wonderful! That lion looks so healthy. The magpies have striking coloring. I enjoyed seeing them enjoy the feast too.

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  19. Cool shots. That is so awesome they are healthy and hang out in your area.

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  20. An award winning series of trail camera photos.
    We so appreciate the energy and time you put into placing and checking the trail cameras.

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  21. I try to be respectful of existing wildlife, I mean we all need to exist on this planet. Which is why I didn't go running around telling folks I saw a coyote in our neighborhood, I didn't want some trigger happy fool to hurt it.

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  22. KB, I find it so interesting that the mountain lions here avoid humans-in Northern Ca. They often attacked people either hiking or biking. I still wouldn't want to see one up close, I'll stick with your photos. Thanks!

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  23. He's a pretty distrustful cat to move the carcass again after you were there! I hope you don't have any run ins with him!

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