Cougar

 The deer have made themselves scarce lately.  The neighbor down the road with the horse reported six deer within the horse pastures yesterday morning, most likely because they feel safe there.  While cutting fire wood near the cabin, I notice deer nearby, probably to come feed on the foliage from the cut trees after I leave or maybe knowing it is secure around friendly humans.  Our cats have that cautious look when walking around the place, only a few are bold enough to venture off into the forest.

 

The cougar is gone for now.  I wonder how many times I have walked through our forest with the cougar watching me and doing me no harm.  The neighbor at the bottom of the hill reported a cougar just sitting in the open about 20 feet away from him, while he was piling brush near his house.  He started up his chain saw to scare it away.  He said the cougar just slowly walked off.  Cougar sightings are common in this county and the local newspapers always have reports on sightings.  The government trappers are provided by the USDA Wildlife Services, a branch of the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service.  Their primary job is to protect humans, livestock and wildlife when possible.  Like the local dog catcher their job can be most unpleasant.  This morning there was nothing in the trap and hopefully never will be.  For me, walking through our forest will never be the same. 

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