MOUNTAIN LION ACTION
by
Carlisle Crouch.

Mountain lions (Felis oregohensis hippolestes) have been observed at infrequent intervals in the Mesa Verde, but in most instances it was just a fleeting glimpse when one would cross the highway in front of an automobile's lights. So it was with unusual interest I witnessed one of the big cats in action in the day light. The activity observed seemed as extraordinary to me as the opportunity to observe it. It appeared inconsistent for this large animal to engage in stalking prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni zuniensis) in this region where mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemiorus) are comparatively abundant, and to carry on this activity in a relatively open canyon in the day time.

The hour of the day was early, 8:30 in the morning, and the sun was out bright and warm on this fourth of November when I began a hike down Prater Canyon, located fourteen miles from park headquarters. The canyon at this point is open and flat, and innumerable prairie dogs have taken up homesteads in it. The trail follows the west wall, and low ridges at several points conceal it from the open canyon floor. From one of these ridges, I saw the lion out in the canyon in the midst of his maneuvers, so seeking a concealed vantage point I watched the activity.

The lion's massive body was crouching just back of the dirt mound pulled up, by the prairie dog in digging its subterranean den, much in the same manner as a house cat just before it springs on its prey. Endless patience must have been required for this position, for the dogs are very sensitive to the presence of any "foreigner" in their colony. One dog was an unsuspecting little creature on this occasion, however, for I saw it slowly and cautiously emerge from his den only to be snatched by the right paw of his much superior contemporary.

At this point I made some noise in my eagerness to approach closer, and the King of the Mesa Verde canyons trotted away to his rocky cliffs.