It took him about 2 hours to cover a mile. That is very slow walking for a big animal.
Then, I checked another cam on that ridge that usually does not feature lions. It showed a mother mountain lion and 2 kittens walking the same ridge *at the same time as the male was walking in the opposite direction*. These were younger kittens than in the family who we've followed recently. Their early life spots are more visible than the spots on the other kittens.
Here was the first kitten just ahead of mom.
The second kitten was lagging behind mom. Here he was when he caught up.
They almost certainly came close to the male. Believe it or not, male mountain lions kill kittens - even their own. So, this was a scary scenario. When the male appeared after his path had crossed with the family, I didn't see any sign that he'd hurt them. No blood was visible. Moreover, Shyla didn't indicate to me that there was a dead animal anywhere along that ridge. So, perhaps it turned out okay. Here he was as he reached the end of the ridge.
I compiled the video clips of the male cat and the family into one video which I hope that you enjoy!
Yikes! We're glad there were no signs of combat.
ReplyDeletebecause he was slow, i wondered if he was stalking the mother and kittens, now i know it was the kitten he wanted.. nature can be ugly to us but normal for them.. they are all so beautiful. now that i think a moment, i guess the cats are just like humans, if a person is out walking their kids there is always danger out there to watch for from other humans, even if just cars to run over them
ReplyDeleteThey are such beautiful cats! We hope the kitten is safe.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting sequence of events. We hope the kittens and their mom can stay safe from the male.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marker he was too. I hope the kitten is safe with mom.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ♥
Hopefully the mom sensed he was in the vicinity and got the kittens out of harm's way. They're such beautiful cats.
ReplyDeleteWhew....I am watching a program on NATGEO Wild called Serengeti...my word life is so hard for babies out in the wild.
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
He was going slowly and marking everywhere. Was he an older boy? They are so beautiful, hope the kittens stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWe hope the two little ones are safe with mom. They looked to be already growing big cats. Glad you didn't see any blood or evidence that something may of happened. Thanks for the share. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteWorld of Animals
Scary for the family. Maybe the mum was fierce or the male was more interested in marking. So many dangers for young animals.
ReplyDeleteHope the mother would be able to protect her cubs.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the little ones don’t stand a chance.
ReplyDeleteWell, we sure hope their paths don't cross again, at least not until those pups can fend for themselves. Thoroughly enjoyed the video.
ReplyDeleteWere hoping the mother was able to lead the cubs away to a safe place. They are all so lean.
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
I do hope they are all safe. Life is difficult in the wild.
ReplyDeleteI think the mom and the cubs had some angels with them.
ReplyDeleteWe'll keep our paws crossed for the safety of the kits and their mom.
ReplyDeleteMother Nature can be so cruel and scary sometimes! We hope the fact that you didn't see any signs of it, means this time she wasn't. ♥
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets