Читать книгу Tahoe Rim Trail. The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians онлайн

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Mountain Lion or Cougar The rare and elusive mountain lion or cougar has been seen occasionally in the Tahoe area, especially in lower elevation open areas such as the east shore and around Truckee. While I have not personally seen one on the TRT, I have seen tracks, which were following close behind a set of deer tracks. These large cats range in size from 6.5 to 8 feet long, including their tail, and can weigh up to 200 pounds. Each animal has a vast range and can cover many miles of territory in one night. Mountain lions hunt deer primarily, although they also prey on raccoons, birds, mice, and even skunks and porcupines. Porcupine?! That would have to be one hungry mountain lion.

Someone once brought a pet mountain lion to my office; its power and grace were awe-inspiring. We had the feeling that it could dispose of any one of us in half a minute. Mountain lions can jump 12 feet up a tree from a standstill. If you do encounter one, experts recommend that you do not run. Instead try to look as big as possible by standing tall, opening up your jacket, and waving your arms. Once the cat perceives that you don’t behave like prey, it will probably back off. Also, a mountain lion leaves the remains of a kill and returns later to eat; needless to say, it is not wise to hang around a lion kill.