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Friday, December 10, 2010

Coyotes, Bobcats and Mountain Lions, Oh My!!


Years ago when I heard coyotes I never worried about them because my step-dad told us that while it sounded like they were close they were really a mile or so away.  Then I marry Jeremiah Johnson and move to a little cabin in the woods.  One day I'm walking on our drive and I hear coyotes so when I get back to the house I say to my husband, "boy, those coyotes sounded like they were on the other side of the road".  He replys, "they are on the other side of the road".  There goes my exercise routine.
Last night the dogs were going crazy, so I'm thinking oh, its just coyotes.  I'm hoping so because we have had a mountain lion spotted in our area, well actually about 10 miles away but that is close enough for me.

You know a mountain lion is also a cougar!!!  Anyway it was spotted 10 miles to the west of us about 4 months ago and one was spotted 10 miles to the southeast of us just a month ago.  Don't worry, we have 3 dogs who are fierce when it comes to wild animals and big babies when they are around the kids.   I watch and listen to the dogs for warning signs.  Last week two of them were acting very strange.  They were creeping along the back fence, ears up, but not barking.  I don't like that.  They were very cautious so we stayed in the house until daddy got home.
Also, this is my back fence:

I have heard bobcats rustling in the leaves, but never seen one.  They are fast when they snatch my chickens.  We have a chicken coop now, but we still have some wild roosters that refused to be caught.
Before I go, several years ago a black cougar was spotted in our county.  When someone tells us about seeing strange things, like something moving very fast in the woods that looks like a big cat I pay attention. You never know what is lurking in the woods.
Have a great day.
Love,
Territory Mom

5 comments:

Oklahoma Granny said...

We have coyotes around and occasionally catch a glimpse of them running along our back 10 fence. I've gotten a few pictures of at least 2. This morning my husband brought the chips in from our wildlife cameras. He wanted to see if we caught any photos of a couger. He saw some prints on the back 10. Only deer in the photos though, thank goodness!

Ever Blessed said...

One of the perks of living in the country, We get to share it with the critters! We've heard coyotes a lot this year, and they do sound close. There's also talk of re-introducing elk to parts of Missouri. Looking forward to seeing how that works out!)

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I've seen coyotes in our south Tulsa neighborhood. I've seen a fox twice on the river trails here also.

A mountain lion or bobcat would definitely get my attention.

Kelly said...

I have seen coyotes and a bobcat in our neck of the woods (south of Tulsa). My hubby and son saw a mountain lion about a mile and half from where we live. So I get a little nervous when I have to walk from our barn to the house after dark. So far we have not lost any of our chickens to any critters. Our biggest problem is chicken snakes in the summer.
Kelly

Jill of All Trades said...

A bit creepy I must say.