Looking Over Your Shoulder: Cougars

I followed some fresh cougar tracks this morning. As I followed I was also looking up in the trees and over my shoulder (wouldn’t that be something – turning around to see a cougar following you!). Our distant ancestors would have recognized that urge to look behind – the response common to all prey. But we no longer think of ourselves as prey. Cougars (even the idea of these “mountain lions”) remind us of such primitive responses. I wonder if we don’t need such reminders more often. Reminders that life is often “red in tooth and claw” and that the woods is not there solely for our amusement.

So, while I like the idea of cougars and I like living in an area where large predators like cougars still live, I am not always comfortable when I see their tracks. I may be intrigued, excited and curious – but I also keep a lookout for a big stick should I need to convince a cougar that I am not easy prey.

The video below is a compilation of various cougar videos, from various projects on the “North Shore” in 2014. Enjoy!