Yup, a mountain lion was prowling along the edges of this meadow while the elk were there. I cannot imagine how nerve-racking it must be for elk knowing that predators are waiting for just one of them to make a mistake. I couldn't live like that... but they manage to.
I am guessing that the goal for an elk is to stay in the middle of the herd so that the mountain lion prowling in the nearby forest doesn't choose him/her to attack.
The mountain lions are masters of stealthfulness, and they blend into nature so perfectly. I bet that I could have ridden my bike right past this guy without spotting him.
He spent a long time at this site - a spot where the mounds of pine needles show how often lions have scraped there to mark territory. He even had the Flehmen Response to the scents of other lions. That enhances his sampling of the odors.
I believe that this mountain lion was the male in the mating pair that my trail cam captured. I'm basing that on his color markings so I can't be absolutely certain.
Enjoy the video. All of the clips show mountain lions prowling along edges of meadows containing the elk herd.
even when the thought why he probably looks at this elks hurts ... it is such a wonderful animal and it is a pleasure to watch him...
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteEvery inch the feline. YAM xx
That sure is some stealthy food hunting!
ReplyDeletethe lion has really beautiful markings on his face. at least the herd of elk have a chance at surviving the food chain, the pigs and cows on my Uncle slaughter house did not.. I hated that place, and have no idea why my dad took me there... I don't cry when the lion feeds, but I did at the slaughter house
ReplyDeleteI can handle the circle of life when man does not interrupt. this is beautiful......
ReplyDeleteThe lion is such a beautiful predator. It's always amazing to see what your cameras capture.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, but so deadly. I feel bad for the elk too. It's the way of the wild. I will say this is one huge feline.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Feline Friday Blog Hop.
Have a purrfect Feline Friday and weekend, my friend. ♥
The way of nature to survive, his markings are beautiful, and he is majestic. The elk, gathered together in safety.
ReplyDeleteKB what a beautiful meadow full of majestic elk!!
ReplyDeleteMt. Lion looking to make a meal on Elk, while the Elk eat their meal...cycle of life.
That is a fine looking Mt. Lion.
I had my lunch on the back porch yesterday. While I was eating I heard a hawk the yard behind us. Hoping for lunch too. Then I saw him circling ..making all kinds of noise. They are so silly because all the birds hide.
Hugs Cecilia
He sure is a handsome fella.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see the Mountain Lion looking so healthy. You are so right about what's lurking around us that we cannot see. Neighbors are reporting that there is a bear in the area, and last night when Todd was silently and intently staring into the darkness, I couldn't help but wonder if it was nearby.
ReplyDeleteLife in the wild. Stressful for both the lion and its prey.
ReplyDeleteWe like seeing the meadow of elk!!
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
This shows some of the hard truth about the hunter and hunted relationship.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful animal!
ReplyDeleteNature is so very beautiful, but also cruel in a way. I guess the animals in the wild grow up living with the predators, so it is nothing out of the ordinary for them.
ReplyDeleteHe is so beautiful. I thought to myself, Phod wants to pee where he did lol!
ReplyDeleteVery cool to see and watch, from the safety of the camera lens, and if you're not an elk. :)
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Nature demands herds and preditaters stat at the top of their game lest they become victim to it. Sad as it is, it's the reality of the forest and probably contributes the most to strengthening their genetic lines.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos,,, KB,, and it seems like you were staning right there with that mountain lion!
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles