Because they are mostly nocturnal creatures, mountain lions are rarely seen. However, they have learned to live near humans. A few years ago a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put GPS Global Tracking devices on several lions in Southern California. He tracked one lion who would hide in the heavy brush and watch hikers walk by on a popular hiking trail. During the weekend dozens of people passed within a few feet of the lion but no one saw him. The lion stayed in the area for a couple of weeks.
I’m also thinking: if you have some of those goofy antlers people wear over the holidays, don’t take ’em out hiking. The main thing protecting us from big cats is their perception that we aren’t their primary meal ticket.
Well, color me terrified. A very sobering thought.