 |
[RC] Cougars - Roger RittenhouseWhen I lived in Tellico Plains, I rode all over Starr Mtn, my main training trails system. Omni knew every mile and once on a trail we were going 'that way'. A nice ride in the fall, we were trotting a trail in the 'boggy' area, when I saw a 'big black dog' in front of us about 300 feet. Omni kept on going until we got close enough for me to see the bushy tail and the pointed ears. The cat just looked at us and kept going on the trail, I was going to turn around but I figured it would move on rather then mess with us. So the boy antsy to get going trotted on down the trail not phased at all. I did see the cat a few more times in the woods and on trail in front of us but far enough away. I guess it was about 90 pnd a very large dog but lean and sleek. A week later we were on the Mtn again, this time we were on the trails that go though wild hog/pig community. We have seen pigs many times and he was not concerned with them. This time we were trotting fast and cantering on a speed trail when 2 or 3 pigs running full bore, came along side us in the woods and cut in the trail in-front of us then crisscrossed back to the woods and trail. He just kept on going. I asked - yes talk to my horse- what was that all about. I did not look back to see WHY these pigs were running. :) Came around a turn at speed and there was a BIGGER kitty, all black- I guessed this was the male and the other was female. We were way to close- 100 feet? The cat made a sound ?? and trotted off at ease. We went on down the trail. Saw the pigs again but they were in the woods standing. Of course I know why we had a 'run with the pigs' that day :) Omni thought it was great to race the pigs. Both of the cats were very nice looking and in good shape - pig dinner? Horse was so well trained nothing phased him over the years. I never saw the cats again but I heard them scream at night -- like a woman getting beat up, very eerie. A few weeks later I was on a trail I saw the body of the small cat, someone shot her. I assume the male moved on or was shot. My error was contacting the fed rangers to report the sighting. They wanted many details. I always wonder if they shot her or a local did it . I did tell the postman yea DUH :). But anyone who knows the sound of a big cat knew they were up there. I wish had my camera. Roger R =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
|