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Friday, June 5, 2020

Feline Friday - A Hungry Mother Mountain Lion

We've had a female mountain lion sticking close to the heart of our woods for quite a while. I believe that this was the lion who was caterwauling for a mate back in February. If so, she likely has kittens stashed somewhere in the vicinity.
We've had lethal signs of a lot of lion activity nearby, including a dog disappearing and a deer being killed and eaten. It's a time when we all need to remember to be careful because this lion being out and about in daylight is a sign that she is very hungry and may take big risks to get her next meal. We share this world with her - so we need to be mindful of keeping her safe from the temptation to go after the wrong prey.

She was out near all of us humans during the day repeatedly during May. The photos/video were particularly good on one day so I'll share those. Her "signature move" is raising her head high in the air, opening her mouth, and sniffing the air.

She focuses on areas where the male lions have scent marked. She's sniffing the piles of pine needles behind scrapes left by male lions.

After sniffing the ground, she again raised her nose in the air. Her scenting ability is enhanced by having her mouth open.

If you'd like to see this beauty in action, check out my video.

16 comments:

  1. amazing.... to watch life as it is can be much more thrilling than a stephen king movie...and it is beautiful and we feal love instead of fear....

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  2. Hari OM
    Of course, it is likely she is feeding a at least a cub or two as well, promoting the more risky hunting behaviour... I admit I am glad to be watching her from this distance! YAM xx

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  3. She really is a pretty one. It's so amazing to see her on her out n' about.

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  4. Such a beauty! We hope she stays well fed for her kittens.

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  5. It's something most of us never get to see. From a distance for me too, but she's a beautiful feline. Love how she works that nose.

    Have a fabulous day and weekend and thanks for letting us see nature in your neck of the woods. Scritches to the pups. ♥

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  6. We pray she is able to successful survive and rear her offspring without colliding with humans.

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  7. The loose skin on her belly/underside make me think she was heavier at an earlier time. Maybe having the kittens is part of that. Wonderful footage, thank you!

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  8. ABsolutely gorgeous!!! I love how she caught a scent in the air
    As Sandee said I have never seen anything quite so magical as this majestic lady cat
    Hugs Cecilia

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  9. Your world is so beautiful, but sometimes it sounds a little scary too! Or maybe I'm just a wimp?
    Luke and I have started walking earlier in the morning and all I can think about when we're in the woods is what wildlife might still be out at the earlier hours (our biggest cats are bobcats though)! I exaggerate of course, I mostly only think about it when Luke lifts HIS head into the air and starts sniffing! :)
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  10. She's really beautiful. I hope she and her kittens stay safe. I feel badly if she got someone's dog, but I understand that's the nature of things and she has to provide for her family.

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  11. Hope she finds some food. Stay safe. The pups here do that same nose in the air and mouth open when they catch the scent of something:)

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  12. What a beautiful feline! We sure hope she stays safe.

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  13. She is beautiful. I do hope she stays away from humans and their pets!

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