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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] cougar sightings

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  • From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
  • To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] cougar sightings
  • Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:56:10 -0600

In June New Mexico recorded its first fatal attack since the 1970's
on a human by a cougar (mountain lion). The cat took a man near his
mountain trailer home, ate him, and buried the rest for later. The
cat was in unusually good condition (more body fat than normal) and
after the attack neighbors of the victim accused another neighbor
of feeding cougars. NM SAR found the body.

These cats hunt by stealth, so the idea is that if you see it and it
isn't overtly attacking you, you are safe. However, there have been
exceptions. In one case, the cat "attacked" by walking up to a child
in full view of a group of adults, and mauling the child. That cat
later tested positive for rabies. It is very concerning when this
species of cat allows itself to be sighted. NM Dept Game and Fish
recommends all NM sightings be reported to them. In the case of this
NM incident, SAR responders spotted the cat and withdrew until state
wildlife management people could respond to deal with the cat. In
light of the cat's behavior (defending its kill), SAR figured their
task was a recovery, and it would be very dangerous to search while
the cat was present.

Thumbnail what to do:
Do not go in the woods alone
Do not run away
Do not approach
Do not crouch
Do all you can to appear larger
Fight back if attacked

Not stated in public advisories, but common in New Mexico and some
other states: carry a big gun and know how to use it.

Una Smith
New Mexico




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