While on a recent hike up the Domingo Baca Canyon the Hoofers somehow got on the topic of mountain lions. I can't rmember how we got started on that topic. Maybe we passed a hiker who said he saw one around where we were hiking. No matter how we got on that topic, it was an excellent way to spook each other as we continued hiking the Canyon. None of us had ever encountered a mountain lion on any of the trails we have hiked. Several of us had seen bears. Karen B and I (Rose) were hiking 10K trail and came across a mother bear and two cubs. Mama bear gave a warning to her babies and they both immediately stood paws up a tree trunk ready to climb if mama gave them the nod. I was excited and grabbed my camera and took pictures, then we slowly continued hiking down the trail. I am quite sure I would not have taken those pictures if it had been a mountain lion instead of a bear. Terrifying fear would have made me keep walking away as fast and as least threatening as I could.
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| This is not a kitty cat! |
Well after our discussion Betty started telling us about her story of hanging out with a mountain lion. We were all pretty quiet as she started telling her story. I was trying not to dwell on what immediately entered my mind -- who in their right mind hangs out with a mountain lion? Surely not Betty! Not our Betty, who is so soft spoken and gentle! But here is her story!
About twenty years ago, my husband, Jerry, and I had a most remarkable experience with three mountain lion cubs who were only about three months old. The mother of these mountain lion cubs was accidently shot by a hunter. The mother lion was not killed but was badly wounded. The hunter followed the mother lion back to her cave where her three young cubs were. The mother lion died and the hunter knew the cubs would not live without help. The hunter knew he had to rescue the cubs if they were going to survive. He took them to a veterinarian in Espanola. The veterinarian raised the cubs in her home for three months before she could take them to the Albuquerque Zoo. One day, before the cubs were to move to their new home at the zoo, the cubs were taken outside to play freely in the rocky land. Several people were allowed to watch the cubs play for the last time. Betty and her husband had that special experience to be with the cubs that day. But, not only to watch from a distance--Betty needed to be up-close and personal with the cubs.
Betty and one of her newfound friends!
Not all mountain lions are as friendly as this little guy. So if you are hiking and encounter a mountain lion the following information may help you stay safe!
Happy Hiking!
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A MOUNTAIN LION:
Stop and back away while facing the animal. Avoid direct eye contact and give the lion space so it can leave.
Attempt to make yourself look larger by raising your arms or walking sticks. If you are wearing a jacket, hold it open so that you appear larger.
Convince the predator that you are not prey. If a predator approaches you or behaves aggressively, arm yourself with a large stick, throw rocks, and speak loudly and firmly. Convince the predator that you are a danger to it.
Fight back aggressively with any weapon that you have such as sticks, rocks, or backpacks if a lion attacks.
Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
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