Mountain Lion sighting

[GoatGirl]

Mountain Lion sighting at Murphy,

Rodney and were in Moab and Fruita for 10 days the only wild life we saw was a collard lizard and a few mule deer. We came back Sunday and rode the new trails at Murphy, and what do you know, during our after ride beverage in the parking lot at dusk, a beautiful fully grown female mountain lion strolls across the parking lot not paying us the least bit of attention. I called in the sighting and was wondering if any of the trial workers or other riders have seen any evidence that she is a resident or if she was just passing through? It is a bit unnerving because of the fact that bike riders could trigger the chase instinct of a large cat. :jumpy:

[gopherhockey]

Holy! :crazy2:

These cats aren't anything to mess around with...

I wonder how seriously a person needs to take this and if we need to get a notice out to riders on how best to ride in areas occupied by these cats etc.

[stoneage]

uh oh!! They had some on the Bottoms 5-6 years ago. Ride in groups, kids.

[zaskar]

YOu know I did have a strange feeling like someone was watching me! j/k but man that is freaky!!! That thing would be on you before you knew it, most likely!

I would have loved to see it stroll through like you did. As long as it kept it's distance!!

[gopherhockey]

TRAVELING IN MOUNTAIN LION COUNTRY
Is it as simple as just staying out of mountain lion country? Of course not. If you did, there would be few places left to explore. Be aware of the wildlife around you, respect them, be prepared, and enjoy. Follow these safety tips:
http://www.cityconcierge.com/images/cougar1.jpg

Travel with a friend or group.
Keep small children nearby.
Do not let pets run unleashed.
Try to minimize your recreation during dawn and dusk- the times mountain lions are most active.
Carry a weapon or deterrent device within quick reach- like in your fanny pack. (Remember that firearms may be illegal in many recreation areas.) Most attack victims have little or no warning.
Respect park warning signs or notices of mountain lion activity.
Know how to behave if you encounter a mountain lion.What To Do If You Encounter A Mountain Lion
In the vast majority of mountain lion encounters, these animals exhibit avoidance, indifference, or curiosity that never results in human injury. But it is natural to be alarmed if you have an encounter of any kind. Try to keep your cool and consider the following:
http://www.cityconcierge.com/images/cougar2.jpg 1. Recognize threatening mountain lion behavior. There are a few cues that may help you gauge the risk of attack. If a mountain lion is more than 50 yards away, changes positions, directs attention toward people, and exhibits following behavior, it may be only curious. This circumstance represents only a slight risk for adults, but a more serious risk to unaccompanied children. At this point, you should move away, while keeping the animal in your peripheral vision. Also, take out a deterrent device or look for rocks, sticks, or something to use as a weapon- just in case.
For distances of less than 50 yards, where the animal is staring intensely and hiding, it may be assessing the chances of a successful attack. If intense staring and hiding continue, accompanied by crouching and creeping, the risk of attack may be substantial.
2. Do not approach a mountain lion; give the animal the opportunity to move on. Slowly back away, but maintain eye contact if close. Mountain lions are not known to attack humans to defend young or a kill, but they have been reported to "charge" in rare instances and may want to stay in the area. Best choose another route or time to adventure through the area.
3. Do not run from a mountain lion. Running may stimulate a predatory response.
4. If you encounter a mountain lion, be vocal and talk or yell loudly and regularly. Try not to panic: shout to others in the area to make them aware of the situation.
5. Maintain eye contact. Eye contact presents a challenge to the mountain lion, showing that you are aware of its presence. Eye contact also helps you know where it is. However, if the behavior of the mountain lion is not threatening (if it is, for example, grooming or periodically looking away), maintain visual contact through your peripheral vision and move away.
6. Appear larger than you are. Raise your arms above your head and make steady waving motions. Raise your jacket or another object above your head. Do not bend over as this will make you appear smaller and more "prey-like."
7. If you are with small children, pick them up. First bring children close to you, maintain eye contact with the mountain lion, and pull the children up without bending over. Band together, if you are with other children or adults.
8. Be prepared to defend yourself and fight back, if attacked. Try to remain standing. Do not feign death. Pick up a branch or rock, pull out a knife, pepper spray, or other deterrent device. Remember, everything is a potential weapon, and individuals have fended off mountain lions with blows from rocks, tree limbs, and even cameras.
9. Defend your friends or children, but not your pet. In past attacks on children, adults have successfully stopped attacks. However, such cases are very dangerous and risky, and I do not recommend physically defending a pet.
10. Respect any warning signs posted by agencies. It may not be a good time for outdoor adventuring.
11. Teach others in your group how to behave. One person or child who starts running could precipitate an attack.
12. If you have an encounter with a mountain lion, record your location and the details of the encounter, and notify the nearest park official, land owner, or other appropriate agency. The land management agency (federal, state, or county) may want to visit the site and, if appropriate, post education/warning signs. Fish and wildlife agencies should also be notified because they record and track such encounters. Remember, agencies need accurate information regarding your encounter. However, given the frequency of mountain lion sightings, many, including yours, may not be followed up on unless the animal exhibited unusually bold behavior. Remember, just because you see a mountain lion does not mean the animal is a threat to your safety. These agencies expect people to see mountain lions. You should not expect authorities to kill a curious mountain lion.
If physical injury occurs, it is important to leave the area and not disturb the site of attack. Mountain lions that have attacked people must be killed, and an undisturbed site is critical for effectively locating the dangerous mountain lion.

Are There Any Effective Deterrents?
The effectiveness of any deterrent depends on many factors. For example, pepper spray (capsaicin-based) may be useful for incidents where a mountain lion is observed nearby and is approaching. It is uncertain, however, how effective the spray may be once an attack has occurred. It is difficult to advocate a particular device, as circumstances and expertise vary dramatically from person to person. Potential weapons and deterrent devices include: knives, walking sticks, pepper spray, and firearms. If you choose to carry a deterrent device, be sure you not only know how to use it but are also confident and comfortable with it before you venture into mountain lion country. In the event of an attack, everything is a potential weapon: people have fought off lions with nothing more than rocks and sticks. (Remember that firearms may be illegal in many recreation areas.)
Safety Tips for Trail Runners,
Trail Riders, and Mountain Bikers
Trail Runners

If you are going to run on trails through mountain lion habitat, run with others! An unleashed pet is not an adequate substitute for a running partner. Tragically, mountain lions have attacked trail runners. A woman runner was killed in California in 1994, and a man was killed in Colorado in 1990. In both cases the runners were alone and unable to successfully defend themselves after the initial attack.


Trail Riders
Mountain lions have approached individuals on horseback in several states and provinces. In 1996, a family, including a mother and three children, was trail riding on horseback in British Columbia, when a mountain lion suddenly jumped from a bush at the 6-year-old son. The boy was thrown from his horse and was attacked by the mountain lion. The mother fought off the animal courageously, but she finally was killed by the mountain lion. Surprisingly, this male mountain lion weighed only 65 pounds.
For safety, ride in a group and try to avoid the low-light hours of dawn and dusk. Be alert to any behavioral "cues" that your horse may exhibit. Your horse is likely to smell or see a mountain lion before you do. If a mountain lion appears on the trail, try to keep your horse calm, back away, and leave the area. Do not dismount unless absolutely necessary. In the event that you are thrown from your horse or are forced to dismount, carry some type of deterrent device with you in a fanny pack.
Mountain Bikers
Every year numerous cyclists report sightings of mountain lions, and a few of these trailway encounters have necessitated the cyclist's retreat. In 1995, a Southern California cyclist saw a mountain lion quickly approaching. He dismounted and used his bike to shield himself from the cougar. His reactions were appropriate, but they failed. As a last resort, he ran away, slipping down a steep slope. The mountain lion followed and bit him on the head. He reacted by striking the mountain lion in the head with a rock, after which the animal retreated. Like equestrians and trail runners, mountain bikers should always carry some type of deterrent device in a fanny pack. © Steve Torres
http://www.cityconcierge.com/images/clear.gif
http://www.cityconcierge.com/images/clear.gif

[ryno lite]

A wild trail just got wilder! I love to ride by myself, but it gives you something to think about. I'd always wonder a few years ago in the River Bottoms when that cat was running around. I guess it's never stopped me from hiking out west, so I will continue to bike. I have always wanted to see one out in the wild some day, just not stalking me!

[Ralph Smith]

Here is the photo of the cougar at the river bottoms a few years back. IIRC, workers at one of the barge depots set up a motion sensor on a camera after finding carcasses of deer that had visited to eat spilled grain.
I think Bloomington police shot the lion at the 9 mile creek park after it snarled at a couple of hikers. My file date on this is May 2002.
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5790/cougarriverql2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[gopherhockey]

Here is the photo of the cougar at the river bottoms a few years back. IIRC, workers at one of the barge depots set up a motion sensor on a camera after finding carcasses of deer that had visited to eat spilled grain.


Thanks for posting this. Interesting. Doesn't look like a very friendly cat in that picture...

[trompete]

Ah damnit. More obstacles. I guess I need to put the claymore back on my bike.

[gmargolf]

Which way was it strolling, toward the new Mt. bike side or the old trail side where people bird watch right now????

[manual63]

I did some research. I guess most mountain lions became non-existent East of the Rockies because of settlements in North America. But now there is a growing trend of them moving east again, thus many more sightings in the last few years. Warmer temps are also part of the cause. Who would have thought global warming would bring different species of animals to the area? Oh yeah, global warming doesn't exist.......never mind.....:banghead:

[bike>>rider]

slow riders like me will now be in greater demand for Murphy group rides :crazy2:

[stoneage]

just not stalking me
little or no warning
The first thing you would probably notice is blood spurting from your neck. I felt really weird when they found that cat in the picture below, because I used to night ride solo down there. That stopped really quick.
slow riders like me will now be in greater demand for Murphy group rides
:D Or faster, I suppose.:D
They go where the food is, so I would be careful on the Bottoms also. Leb isn't out of the question either. The zoo has lots of food and they can't run far.

[ryno lite]

slow riders like me will now be in greater demand for Murphy group rides :crazy2:

Glad I've gotten faster. I should be safer in the middle of the pack than I was at the end all last year!:crazy2:

[MisterClaw]

This is best summed up thusly:

[GoatGirl]

Which way was it strolling, toward the new Mt. bike side or the old trail side where people bird watch right now????


We were parked at the south west corner under the trees next to the road. She came across the road about 2/3rds down the parking area an sauntered across in a straight line towards the grassy area with small trees on the far east side of the parking lot. We had just finished riding, which means she was in the field with us near the end of the new trail. :jumpy:
It was not our destiny to be taken by the moutain lion goddess that day.

[jeffgude]

Add this to the list of reasons that new, more popular, trail is a good thing. More riders improves your odds - less chance of becoming a cougar snack.

[Paul Swenson]

It's scary that she was that nonchalant about humans. Can't be good thing.

[jeffgude]

You would think that 3RPD would be aware of this, or the local homeowners for that matter, there are so many houses out there now.

[ninjanick]

So this isn't a joke? I grew up near chicago, we didn't have those things! So, I ride mamoth after work by myself a lot, that's a good metro trail right, no big things should jump out and eat me, right?

[ryno lite]

So this isn't a joke? I grew up near chicago, we didn't have those things! So, I ride mamoth after work by myself a lot, that's a good metro trail right, no big things should jump out and eat me, right?

We have had metro cougars before, like the one photographed and killed in the MN River Bottoms. The DNR doesn't know if they are wild cougars that have made their way down south and east or whether they got away from some wild pet owner and now makes it's home in the metro woods.

[undsioux7]

So this isn't a joke? I grew up near chicago, we didn't have those things! So, I ride mamoth after work by myself a lot, that's a good metro trail right, no big things should jump out and eat me, right?

Mammoth has deer. I saw a real big buck there last year. And meet a racoon on the trail last year too. He didn't want to move until I stepped off the trail and he cruised past me.

[mtnbykr]

http://citypages.com/databank/23/1123/article10470.asp

http://www.easterncougarnet.org/minnesota6-2-02.htm

this one is the best--www.dnr.state.mn.us/fwt/back_issues/november00/reality_check.html (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fwt/back_issues/november00/reality_check.html)

[stoneage]

The DNR doesn't know if they are wild cougars that have made their way down south and east or whether they got away from some wild pet owner
I bet neither variety is a vegan.
Mountain lion, cougar, puma, panther, catamount. At least try not to wear tan or brown. They eat tan and brown things.

[GoatGirl]

So this isn't a joke? I grew up near chicago, we didn't have those things! So, I ride mamoth after work by myself a lot, that's a good metro trail right, no big things should jump out and eat me, right?


I work off Lyman and ride at mammoth all the time, but in case you want to know, my co-worker who lives off Lyman has seen two mountain lions in her woods that have killed deer and frightened her dogs, german short hair pointers.... so you never know,

lions, tigers and bears, oh my!

[Stonehenge]

http://www.bear-tracker.com/caninevsfeline.html
here is a little helper.

[Stonehenge]

May there be a big cat at Elm Creek too?????
Just this spring I saw tracks in the mud (puddle drying) that were huge, nearly the size of my palm. Stride was near 3 feet. Each toe was about the size of a penny but oblong. could drop 2 big marshmallows in the heal pad print. Made me think alot right then and there!

[ninjanick]

Last friday at mammoth I did think it a bit odd that I saw a dear's leg and hoof laying on the trail. I just kind of rode past not wanting to think too indepthly about why it might be there and where the rest of it was! This sucks, mtn biking as apposed to riding motrorcyles fast was suppose to be a lot safer! Now, not only do I need to think about not crashing, but keep an eye out for this. And I thought riding in winona this weekend would be scary with the bear sightings...

[Danimal]

Lions, and tigers, and bears oh my!

Come on people, the odds of anyone being attacked by anything larger than a rabid squirrel in this state are pretty high. You have a greater chance of seeing Mara riding a geared bike while eating a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich than being attacked by a mountain lion.

Grrrrr!

[hockeynut]

And I thought riding in winona this weekend would be scary with the bear sightings...

Bears are kitty cats compared to mountain lions. I'd actually love to see a bear (as long as her cubs weren't on the other side of me) while biking. I almost got killed by a deer tonight on Memorial so some top of the rung predators would be welcome to weed out those big rats.

[Don Youngdahl]

If you have a mechanical on your bike, don't just kneel or bend down to tend to it. That's how the mountain bike rider in Southern California got killed a few years ago.

Hang the bike on a tree branch if you can find one to do your repairs.

[berrywise]

Lions, and tigers, and bears oh my!

Come on people, the odds of anyone being attacked by anything larger than a rabid squirrel in this state are pretty high. You have a greater chance of seeing Mara riding a geared bike while eating a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich than being attacked by a mountain lion.

Grrrrr!

From a bit of research I did online* it appears that on average there are five mountain lion attacks per year with one resulting in death. Those are odds I can live with.

*take that for what it is worth0

[redpic]

From a bit of research I did online* it appears that on average there are five mountain lion attacks per year with one resulting in death. Those are odds I can live with.

*take that for what it is worth0

OR CAN YOU!

[berrywise]

OR CAN YOU!

:jumpy::jumpy::jumpy:

12345678910

[bakkeb]

That is so weird to hear about this at M-H. When I went on Sat afternoon by myself with the ipod going and maybe one other rider on the trail, I felt very nervous about a large cat attacking me...:eyeroll:. I did see a large deer there and it scared the crap out of me cuz I wasn't ready for it. It would be very rare for a mountain lion to attack one of us out riding. First off the cat would have to be really hungry, which by the amount of animals I see, their food source is not in any danger of going empty.:etard:

[RedSquirrel]

Come on people, the odds of anyone being attacked by anything larger than a rabid squirrel.....

True, consider yourself real lucky to be attacked, or even see the big critter.

About that sighting..., I hope the cat is healthy. Could be an x-pet.

I'm more afraid of people than a big cat.

[Paul Swenson]

True, consider yourself real lucky to be attacked, or even see the big critter.

About that sighting..., I hope the cat is healthy. Could be an x-pet.

I'm more afraid of people than a big cat.

What makes this cat scary is that its not afraid of people. It had to know Goatgirl was in the parking lot yet did not care. It either lost its fear of humans or is crazy.

Do cats Rut? :confused:

[SPR]

So has this sighting been reported to 3RPD and have they made any comments? :confused:

[gopherhockey]

So has this sighting been reported to 3RPD and have they made any comments? :confused:

Pete contacted 3RPD and is waiting for a response. I'd bet they have more info on this.

[Bobafett]

Theres 10 billion humans, I'm not sure if its the cat that we should be shooting. If were going to build trail in their habitat, they set the rules not us. So, we cant have it both ways by: taking some of their land to build trails AND also killing them if the growl at us when we see them. How selfish we are.

Its humorous to see such hypocrisy. When a mtn lion stalks and gnarls at a biker, the cops will 'stalk' and kill the animal so that this kind of behavior doesn't happen again.

Its not the mtn lions we should be worried about...

"Nature does nothing uselessly."
Aristotle

[Paul Swenson]

Theres 10 billion humans, I'm not sure if its the cat that we should be shooting. If were going to build trail in their habitat, they set the rules not us. So, we cant have it both ways by: taking some of their land to build trails AND also killing them if the growl at us when we see them. How selfish we are.

Its humorous to see such hypocrisy. When a mtn lion stalks and gnarls at a biker, the cops will 'stalk' and kill the animal so that this kind of behavior doesn't happen again.

Its not the mtn lions we should be worried about...

"Nature does nothing uselessly."
Aristotle

I don't recall anyone suggesting killing this animal.

[gopherhockey]

I don't recall anyone suggesting killing this animal.

Exactly... please don't assume that any of us would want that or even suggest that.

I'm guessing what they did at the river bottoms had to do with safety and had nothing at all to do with MORC or bikers.

Our focus would be to educate riders on how to be safe around such animals. They were there first....

[Tex]

My only recomendation is if you're doing the ride tonight, stick towards the front of the group, they always prey on the weak and the riders that fall off the back of the pack :jumpy:

[manual63]

Theres 10 billion humans, I'm not sure if its the cat that we should be shooting. If were going to build trail in their habitat, they set the rules not us. So, we cant have it both ways by: taking some of their land to build trails AND also killing them if the growl at us when we see them. How selfish we are.

Its humorous to see such hypocrisy. When a mtn lion stalks and gnarls at a biker, the cops will 'stalk' and kill the animal so that this kind of behavior doesn't happen again.

Its not the mtn lions we should be worried about...

"Nature does nothing uselessly."
Aristotle

I fully agree.



I don't recall anyone suggesting killing this animal.

True, no one here has suggested killing the cat. But it seems to be common human practice in these situations.

[Shorty]

So has this sighting been reported to 3RPD and have they made any comments? :confused:

Three Rivers has been notified of Lisa's post on the forums (Thanks for posting Lisa!).

They are putting extra staff in the area to verify its presence.

Lisa, you said you reported it... who did you report it too?

[stoneage]

they always prey on the weak and the riders that fall off the back of the pack :jumpy:
Or pour bacon grease down the shorts of the fastest guy.

[GoatGirl]

Three Rivers has been notified of Lisa's post on the forums (Thanks for posting Lisa!).

They are putting extra staff in the area to verify its presence.

Lisa, you said you reported it... who did you report it too?


I called Adam Block who is the State Conservation officer and I was referred to the State Patrol dispatch number, which is, 651-582-1511.

[dave t]

Or pour bacon grease down the shorts of the fastest guy.

Or in this case make him wear a catnip rubbed deer hide.

On a serious note. Say you are alone out there and see the big kitty licking his chops and watching you. Do you just bash through the woods to get clear of him? If you ride the trail, you will most likely be back in his area 5 times before you get out of the woods.

[Don Youngdahl]

This could be bad news for Leb. Just when there's another good trail to take the pressure off of Leb, this report comes along to scare off riders away from Murphy.

It's time to realize that several years ago there were reported sightings of a cougar in Lebanon Hills Park. This was before the trails there were a hot item, so few people likely remember it.

[SPR]

l... Ted and I almost got run over by a deer moving at light speed down hill - I've never seen a deer move that fast... its good nobody got hit by it.

Realized now what that deer may have been running from....:shocked:

[berrywise]

This could be bad news for Leb. Just when there's another good trail to take the pressure off of Leb, this report comes along to scare off riders away from Murphy.

It's time to realize that several years ago there were reported sightings of a cougar in Lebanon Hills Park. This was before the trails there were a hot item, so few people likely remember it.

Won't scare me away but I think I'll be hammering away on my bell while riding :D

[Paul Swenson]

Is there no where in the MSP area a guy can ride with bacon greased shorts and still feel safe?

[ebrandel]

If one happens upon a mountain lion eating a hiker on the trail, who has the right of way?

[stoneage]

Is there no where in the MSP area a guy can ride with bacon greased shorts and still feel safe?
Brenda's Cafe?

[Paul Swenson]

Brenda's Cafe?

Show up wearing porky pants and those vegetarians would cane you like a Singaporean criminal.

[ppgc]

Should order up one of these:

Peacock Groove#1 (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2007/shows/nahmbs07/?id=/photos/2007/tech/shows/nahmbs07/nahmbs071/Peacock_Groove_front_rack)

Peacock Groove#2 (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2007/shows/nahmbs07/?id=/photos/2007/tech/shows/nahmbs07/nahmbs071/Peacock_Groove_townie_PGF)

Peacock Groove#3 (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2007/shows/nahmbs07/?id=/photos/2007/tech/shows/nahmbs07/nahmbs071/Peacock_Groove_townie)

Then it won't even see me coming, if it does I could test out the cow catcher on the front. Think they can build up a custom mounted handgun holster to?

:D

[Nickel]

Show up wearing porky pants and those vegetarians would cane you like a Singaporean criminal.

Brenda's serves flesh you silly kids. :D It's just that if you choose to abstain, you can eat more than bread + cheese and have a real meal.

[Konaboy]

Is there no where in the MSP area a guy can ride with bacon greased shorts and still feel safe?

Wasn't that encouraged in certain circles at Wirth in the past? ;)

I don't know if that would make you feel safe doing it though...

[Tex]

Wasn't that encouraged in certain circles at Wirth in the past? ;)

I don't know if that would make you feel safe doing it though...

Yeah, I think I'll take my chances with the Mountain Lion :D

[jeffgude]

Maybe the cat is showing himself to protest the closing of the "old" Murphy and its replacement with a trail that is too flat.

[bovaddict]

im selling my bike and getting a saddle.. I wonder what my lap times would be on a mountain lion

[stoneage]

I would suggest catching the cat and putting him in the river park to weed out the Wirth transplants.

[soupboy]

Just make sure this guy is in your group ride and all will be kosher.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/97/Cowbell2.jpg

As for the PETA-esque blather let's be honest folks - if this cat is near backyards containing kids it will be hastily removed. I wouldn't be shocked if a homeowner shot it. I wouldn't want that, but I'd understand.

[gopherhockey]

One of the naturalists out at NTD today works for 3RPD half time. She was with when they got the report of the mountain lion and went out to look for signs of the cat. She said they didn't find any signs that a cat is living in the area and that it was most likely wandering through. She is part of a turtle monitoring group that goes out there at night and said that she is still rather nervous about doing that now with the sighting.

[bigwheel]

Turtles are easier to outrun than mountain lions.

[stoneage]

it was most likely wandering through
Dang!! I was hoping it would stay put. Now we don't know where it is.

[Paul Swenson]

Turtles are easier to outrun than mountain lions.
:banana::banana::crazy2::banana::banana::scream::s cream::scream:

[soupboy]

http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/89q4/turtle.777.html

Moral of the story? Always carry a fresh lobster with you.

Turtles are easier to outrun than mountain lions.

[soupboy]

Turtle takes out mountain lion.

http://www.heavy.com/video/13358

Turtles are easier to outrun than mountain lions.

[transplant]

Did you see how the turtle stripped the cat of it's hair by the end of the video? That's persistence.:eyeroll:

[HardRocker]

Kudos to the turtle!

[Nicole]

May there be a big cat at Elm Creek too?????
Just this spring I saw tracks in the mud (puddle drying) that were huge, nearly the size of my palm. Stride was near 3 feet. Each toe was about the size of a penny but oblong. could drop 2 big marshmallows in the heal pad print. Made me think alot right then and there!


Wouldn't doubt it. I live right near the Park and last summer my parents, who live just as close to it, said they and some of the neighbors had noted a big cougar (I believe) out wandering around the brush by the ponds and fields by us-only a mile or so out of the Park; they saw it numerous times. Our neighbor spotted it one night getting ready to pounce on a little mutt some lady was walking down the path. They scarred it away luckily. But none of the neighbors let there dogs in the backyard after dusk and without being around.

[crux]

Don't really mind the cat living in the area, just so long as we do not become meals on wheels.

[jitterjepp]

Last friday at mammoth I did think it a bit odd that I saw a dear's leg and hoof laying on the trail. Was it from a Mountain Lion attack? Probably it was hit by a car or just old and died. Deer get hit by cars all the time and walk off into the woods where it takes a few days for them to die. They lay there unable to move while other animals come up and snack on them while they are still alive (or dead). When I lived up north I probably came across a dozen or so deer in the woods that were still breathing and missing part of a leg or two and you could see tracks from 6 or 7 different animals around it.

[scarface]

I live just east of the park and have heard reports from neighbors of some lions moving through. Allegedly, the DNR stated that they have reports of these lions moving around the southwest metro, down to Chaska. One neighbor saw some of them drinking on a pond in the early morning.

[xcharvey]

this thread delivers, I love you guys

[bigwheel]

Three Rivers Park District has hired a new patroller to look into the lion problem.

gVD6kxge8M8

[Crash]

too funny.....until the branch brakes!

[bobbkr]

Predators always attack the old and slow of the group....hey wait minute! That's me!!!

[ryno lite]

Predators always attack the old and slow of the group....hey wait minute! That's me!!!

That's why I had to lose weight. I'm still slow, but not the slowest!

[stoneage]

Predators always attack the old and slow of the group
Or the babies.

[chewie_52]

So...is this still an issue or is it safe to go on a solo ride there now?

[manual63]

So...is this still an issue or is it safe to go on a solo ride there now?

Many people have been on solo rides out there and no ones been eaten yet.

[chewie_52]

Many people have been on solo rides out there and no ones been eaten yet.

Awesome...I think I'm going to ride it tonight and hopefully won't become a scrumptious appetizer:D

[Pandl]

But, if they were riding solo, how would we know they had been eaten, if the lion cleaned up all signs of a struggle? :jumpy:

[stoneage]

But, if they were riding solo, how would we know they had been eaten, if the lion cleaned up all signs of a struggle? :jumpy:
If a tree falls in the forest, will it hit the lion?

[manual63]

If a tree falls in the forest, will it hit the lion?

If Bill is the only one that hears his freewheel, is it really clicking?...:)

[GO_BIG]

Many people have been on solo rides out there and no ones been eaten yet.

Maybe that's why noone knows who took the wallet out there, the mountain lion took care of it for us. Then called for delivery with the credit cards....sure beats hunting. :D

[Yammer]

I haven't seen any mountain lion out there, but on my last solo ride out there I saw the Sasquatch around the pond (marker 68 or 69 I think?).
That was startling!
After that any rustling I heard made me mash those pedals a little bit harder.

[gopherhockey]

I haven't seen any mountain lion out there, but on my last solo ride out there I saw the Sasquatch around the pond (marker 68 or 69 I think?).
That was startling!
After that any rustling I heard made me mash those pedals a little bit harder.

That was just Ryan... and yes, it was most likely marker 69! :D

[Crash]

it was most likely marker 69! :D

Or 71 :shocked:

[multiaxial]

On my second try at the advanced loop at Murphy last night, I saw a large creature on the trial ahead. It wasn't a mtn lion, but an enormous turkey. I swear that thing was the size of a great dane---the thing was huge! :)

Has anyone else seen him (I'm guessing it was a him because of the colorful tailfeathers)?


-tim

[EmL34]

Or 71 :shocked:

Errr....what?

[DanB]

Errr....what?

Ummmm yeah Craig what is that about??? :confused: LOL!!! :p;):D

[manual63]

The hell with the mtn lion, has anyone seen the turkey?

We see many of them every other Thursday. We like to call them the Leb Crew + DanB, but call them what you like.....:D

[DanB]

We see many of them every other Thursday. We like to call them the Leb Crew + DanB, but call them what you like.....:D

Very funny Shad. :laugh:

Man what does a guy have to do to be part of the Leb Crew anyways??? :banghead: And John by the way you still haven't shown me the secret handshake. :mad:

[bigwheel]

And John by the way you still haven't shown me the secret handshake. :mad:

Here's John welcoming the gnome to Leb by rubbing his butt. Or was that a spanking? Either way, just ask John, an you too can become part of the Leb elite.

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/medium/GnomeRide_019_Large_.JPG

[DanB]

Here's John welcoming the gnome to Leb by rubbing his butt. Or was that a spanking? Either way, just ask John, an you too can become part of the Leb elite.

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/535/medium/GnomeRide_019_Large_.JPG

Ahhh......yeah......ok...... :sick:

Troy, Shad, Pete can I be one of your crew......Buehler.....Buehler......Anyone??? :D

[asdfasdf]

Latest ML rumor mill:

1. Rider is heard screaming at Murphy on Sunday. (taken away in ambulance)

2. Monday patrol is seen out riding the trail "looking for a mountain lion"

Let your mind put it together. :crazy2:


Ok... one probably has nothing to do with the other but it sure sounds good.

[bigpeddler]

I've heard there have been sightings in Red Wing

[crux]

Last few rides have seen a bit of wildlife. From a baby brown bear to last Sunday Moma black bear. I know we have some big cats up in the hills as well.

I'm not going to quit riding because of this, it's just one argument for loud hubs. Right Ted.

BTW riding here in Albuquerque is rather nice. Have hundreds of miles worth of trails with in a few min drive and if the open up the open space to bike traffic then hundreds more.

[DanB]

Lisa showed me the pile of bones on the side of the trail at Murphy last night and it almost looked like they were put there as a warning. I am sensing a Mountain Lion attack thread anyday now. :p

On another note we did see a Coyote at Leb last Thursday and I am pretty sure the Leb Coyote could kick the crap out of the Murphy Mountain Lion. :D :metal: ;)

[manual63]

Troy, Shad, Pete can I be one of your crew......Buehler.....Buehler......Anyone??? :D

Dan, do you have any idea about what goes on at Theo? Rubbing Gnome butts is nothin'.

[decoeric]

I am going to start carrying a gun.. 44 mag should do it...

[stoneage]

I am going to start carrying a gun.. 44 mag should do it...
....if you're shooting one in a cage. Otherwise, you won't know it's there until it's teeth are in your neck.
the Leb Coyote could kick the crap out of the Murphy Mountain Lion
The coyote is a snack for a catamount.

[soupboy]

Excellent word. I much prefer puma, cougar, panther or catamount over mountain lion as there ain't no mountains near here.

catamount.

[decoeric]

....if you're shooting one in a cage. Otherwise, you won't know it's there until it's teeth are in your neck.


Well if it is latched on to my neck I probably won't miss...

[jitterjepp]

Lisa showed me the pile of bones on the side of the trail at Murphy last night and it almost looked like they were put there as a warning. I am sensing a Mountain Lion attack thread anyday now. :p

On another note we did see a Coyote at Leb last Thursday and I am pretty sure the Leb Coyote could kick the crap out of the Murphy Mountain Lion. :D :metal: ;)I'd be surprised if there was a Mountain Lion there and even more surprised if it actually went after a human with a deer population that is way out of hand not to mention all the smaller creatures that also have high population levels because we haven't had a real winter here in ten years.
(For those of you who have moved here in that time guess what? You haven't seen a real Minnesota winter ...yet.)

As far as a Coyotes go? They aren't going to do anything but run away from you. They don't want anything to do with humans. As far as the battle royal between animals and a cat? A grizzly bear for sure or maybe a really big black bear would win. If a wolf could if it got its teeth into it fast enough it would win and if a Moose kicked it a good one that could win too.
A German Shepard and many other big dogs could lay a coyote to waste.

[gopherhockey]

As far as a Coyotes go? They aren't going to do anything but run away from you. They don't want anything to do with humans. As far as the battle royal between animals and a cat? A grizzly bear for sure or maybe a really big black bear would win. If a wolf could if it got its teeth into it fast enough it would win and if a Moose kicked it a good one that could win too.
A German Shepard and many other big dogs could lay a coyote to waste.


This coyote was mean looking. Stood about 7' tall on all 4 legs and his eyes were glowing red. I believe it is the personal transportation of the gnome, but we could not confirm from our position. I think it was carrying away a small child...

[Danimal]

I had a St Bernard when I lived near Morris MN and I lived on a hobby farm. One night I let Sampson out (my Saint), and heard what sounded like a scuffle between two dogs, by the time I got outside Sampson was covered in blood and fur, there was a trail of blood going from his dog house to the pasture.

I'm guessing Sampson caught a coyote eating from his dog bowl outside and had a tussle with the thing. I couldn't find a body the next day but Sampson had no major injuries aside from a gashed up nose. The coyote has some major damage from the amount of blood in the yard.

Moral of the story... don't mess with a 180 lb. St Bernard or his food.

[decoeric]

This coyote was mean looking. Stood about 7' tall on all 4 legs and his eyes were glowing red. I believe it is the personal transportation of the gnome, but we could not confirm from our position. I think it was carrying away a small child...

Would people be mad if I started taking a tank on the trails instead of my bike. I promise I won't skid...

[soupboy]

Well, at that point you might as well just shoot yourself while you can before you desanguinate, have your neck broken or succumb to asphyxiation. Any/all of which will be followed by it eating your face.

Well if it is latched on to my neck I probably won't miss...

[soupboy]

Ummm, I think that was Shad. He's been missing for a bit.

I think it was carrying away a small child...

[Slimpee]

Latest ML rumor mill:

1. Rider is heard screaming at Murphy on Sunday. (taken away in ambulance)

2. Monday patrol is seen out riding the trail "looking for a mountain lion"



Wow, perhaps I won't start mtn. biking if my two options are to be carried away in an ambulance or get mauled by a cougar.

On second thought i'll just bunny-hop the hell outta the cougar, hitting it's head w/ my rear wheel as I fly over. Screw PETA!

[Pandl]

Oh, thanks a lot Steve, I hadn't even thought about that silly lion recently. I was over it. And, I even went in the tough section. How silly was that? What if I got hurt, couldn't walk. Mtn lions love gimpy humans. That could have been me screaming. I need to give more to the Gnome, since he is now known to control other trails too. OH MY GAWWWDDDDD!!

[jag]

How about just bringing this guy along?

http://pics.smarp.us/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=29237&g2_serialNumber=1

[Lezgo Cycling]

Excellent word. I much prefer puma, cougar, panther or catamount over mountain lion as there ain't no mountains near here.

OK then how about BIG HILL Lion :eyeroll:
beacuse there really isnt anyhting that can be considered a mtn...is there

[V2Neal]

Just get this song stuck in your head ... http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/kenya.php

[t-dawg]

I recently had a close call in Utah. Not to mention they where hunting bears when I got dropped off at the top of Porcupine Rim.

[GoatGirl]

How about just bringing this guy along?

http://pics.smarp.us/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=29237&g2_serialNumber=1


I saw that guy after the race and he looked like he had lost the fight!

[Tomg]

T-Shirt spotted in Crested Butte:
Front: Bears like people
Back: They taste like chicken

Maybe we could replace "Bears" with "Cougars" and it could become the new Murphy trail crew shirt.

[aliensporebomb]

I rode this trail Sunday and at one point (I'm thinking marker 72-73'ish) I
got the weirdest feeling I was being watched. I thought I saw movement
in the underbrush but figured it was a raccoon or something else but my
'gut feeling' kicked in to get moving and not stick around or look back.

Weird.

Any more news on this critter? I remember the summer the mountain
lion was supposedly loose (well, he was) on the 'bottoms but didn't
see any sign of him - I only read about the incident where they took
him out later.

[dakotabuck]

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site569/2007/1011/20071011__071012cougar-1a.jpg

This photo taken 60 miles west of Duluth, was published in the Pioneer Press today. The photo was taken on 8/20, the kitty's probably in Cable by now, Uh-Oh!:jumpy:

Full article here (http://www.twincities.com/outdoors/ci_7153161?source=rv&nclick_check=1)

[Paul Swenson]

This photo taken 60 miles west of Duluth, was published in the Pioneer Press today. The photo was taken on 8/20, the kitty's probably in Cable by now, Uh-Oh!:jumpy:

Full article here (http://www.twincities.com/outdoors/ci_7153161?source=rv&nclick_check=1)

The DNR says you're all a bunch of liars

For years, DNR officials have discounted sightings of Minnesota mountain lions, also called cougars, because little scientific evidence suggests they inhabit the state. The closest populations of wild mountain lions live in western South and North Dakota, with the largest population in the Black Hills of South Dakota... Minnesota wildlife experts believe most "sightings" of cats with long, ropelike tails are actually tan-colored dogs or other animals. And many cougar reports turn out to be captive mountain lions that have escaped or been released, Erb said.

[Danimal]

I'm always on the lookout for "cougars" :)

[Paul Swenson]

I'm always on the lookout for "cougars" :)


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007XBMYI.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

[Uncle Leo]

And many cougar reports turn out to be captive mountain lions that have escaped or been released, Erb said.

Is a free-roaming, previously captive mountain lion any less scary than a regular mountain lion? It may be more pissed off at people!

[Paul Swenson]

Is a free-roaming, previously captive mountain lion any less scary than a regular mountain lion? It may be more pissed off at people!

The captive ones associate food with people. Plus they're bad at hunting so they're more hungry.

[At the Gates 2121]

Mammoth has deer. I saw a real big buck there last year. And meet a racoon on the trail last year too. He didn't want to move until I stepped off the trail and he cruised past me.

WHEN THE FARM WAS AROUND I SAW A LYNX OUT THERE

[Yammer]

I saw a few squirrels and some wild turkeys out at Murphy today.

[Pandl]

I saw 11 deer along the River bottoms this evening on a ride around dusk.

[rgg2201473]

I got chased by a very determined and vicious looking turkey (feathers up and all) on the Luce line trail last year. I evaded it with skillful biking! Goatgirl had a good laugh over that one.
I got a better laugh when I saw how goatgirl reacted when we saw that mountain lion... :jumpy:
http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1467&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1180555076 (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1467&d=1180555076)

I may be a city boy but I know the diff. between a tan-coloured dog and a frigin' big cat for crisakes!

[pitts]

I saw a red fox in murphy when I rode last time

[T2B]

From the Los Angeles Times: Victim in O.C. cougar attack refuses to be 'prisoner of the drama'

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-lion15-2008may15,0,3659802.story