Windwalker7

Hmmmm..........http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/...75B1JE20110613

SteveBNy

I don't think that one is "alive and well".

So far there has been no determination of whether or not that was a wild or released/escaped pet. It's behavior prior to being killed would be consistent with with the latter, but at this point no one seems to know either way.

vapahunter

Good lord man do you want one to step in front of you and bit you on your behind before you believe. You asked for a picture, you got one so now you question that too. Sorry but this is hopeless with you.

Terasec

problem is we have had rumors of mtn lions for yrs,
does this pic validate the rumors?
or are there other circumstances involved?
dont know,
but as NY're who has heard rumors for yrs, will take more than this to fully convince me,
also difference between single animal, and having a reproducing population.

BOWHUNTERCOP

if you see one while hunting, kill it, you can't be charged with anything if your state's Fish & Game Dept. doesn't have it listed as game or non game

country1

IMO, it is likely wild and not the pet of someone. Could it have been release by the wildlife service??? Hmmm.

SteveBNy

And you know this how?
The possibility certainly is there, but at this point is could be an escaped/released pet - which historically is the case and would be typical of the behavior of this one. If someone KNOWS, I have not seen it released.


NO - it couldn't. No state game service is going to take the liability and cost of something like this.

Daveboone

In NY periodically there are reports of lions. I talked with one individual who reported seeing a 250 lb lion cross the road with a 30 lb wild turkey in its mouth! Holey cow, a chance to bag a record western size lion and turkey with one bumper! Did I mention he was in the hospital for a DWI related accident? (no, not with a pink elephant).
I love the claims - in this day of bare bone state budgets, hatchery closures, DEC staff downsizing, etc. the claims that the state has a Area 51 type facility where mountain lions are raised/ conditioned for release. I dont question that a stray cat (escaped from a private owner-like even scarcer bison, ostriches and kangarros in NY that are well documented) occur. But the thought that regional game departments implement their release is preposterous. Remember the very well documented and publicized Canadian Lynx release project undertaken about 10 years ago? Total failure. A much larger and wider ranging critter like the cougar would be even less liikely to repopulate.

country1

Like I said it is likely wild. If it was released, I believe it is more likely it was released by a state or federal wildlife official. Yes, I know the games SOME agents play. I am well aware of the whole DENY DENY DENY scenario. Do you think all of their research and pet projects get approval? Do you believe they do EVERYTHING by the book? So, are you a wildlife PR person?

SteveBNy

No - just someone with a shred of common sense.