Tracking the Puma concolor

Puma, Mountain Lion, Cougar…regardless of nomenclature this incredible animal is synonymous with elusive. Many could spend a lifetime in cougar habitat and never glimpse even a sign of its presence. So after my initial sighting of tracks earlier this year, following our first big snows of the season, I knew how fortunate I was to live in this amazing, wild place. Since that time I have had the privilege of tracking this animal on numerous occasions, noting that the cougar seems to travel in similar areas and patterns.

With the coming of spring, the snow around the Learning Center has changed into all forms of slush, perfect for tracking.  My most recent snowy adventure led to a fun and notable discovery, two sets of tracks heading in the same direction and at the same time. Has the spring brought about a mate for our solitary feline? Only time will tell.  And don’t worry, I’ll do my part and monitor our cougar neighbor as long as I can.