[pct-l] Cougar

[lee staley]

Oh yeah, as I recall there's plenty of wildlife south of Idyllwild.  You 
probably saw a juvenile "rookie"; it's unlikely a mature adult would let 
you see him or her, unless you were really, really lucky. Well, better a 
young cougar going its own way than running into one of those Riverside 
Co subspecies rattlers.  Some time ago, and in another season, I was 
going north from the 74 and went over a small rise when I apparently 
really shook one up:  it tried to pop me from 15 feet away!  After a 
standoff, it finally felt safe enough to retreat down slope, giving me 
the buzz the whole time.  These rattlers are almost black - also saw one 
once in the Lagunas, coiled placidly under a shrub up hill from the 
trail.  It didn't move a rattle when I went by - apparently tuckered out 
from it's long trip south from the San Jacintos.  :)

I've seen various other "wild life" in that area. too:  out of season 
"bow hunters", "exiles" from Palm Springs (you know who you are) and a 
"squad" of peak baggers clogging the trail.  It's a wonder anyone makes 
it to Idyllwild! :)

You all stay safe out there - Cruz Control


n 4/8/10 5:56 PM, Eugene wrote:
> While I would have to agree with you, having had seen a small mountain lion south of Idyllwild yesterday night, I'd much rather not see a cougar at all.  Yes, I do realize I'm lucky to see a mountain lion around these parts, but I'd rather not be so fortunate...especially when I have the insecurity of sleeping in a bivy.  With my "luck", I'll probably see a lot of bears this year...I may find that Big Bear is very appropriately named.
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> Sir Mix-a-lot