Posted on 11/09/2004 6:57:38 PM PST by Lonesome in Massachussets
Mountain Lion Spotted In Boston-Area Town Joggers Urged To Use Caution
POSTED: 10:44 am EST November 9, 2004 UPDATED: 7:33 pm EST November 9, 2004
ACTON, Mass. -- Acton residents are being warned about a mountain lion on the prowl.
NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that there have been two sightings of a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, in the past week.
"It was scary. It was a growl. It was loud and it was deep. It was what you envision when you hear it -- you just envision this large cat," said Acton resident Colleen DiPietro.
"It sounded like an animal in distress running around our house about three times," said Acton resident Ellen Schemerhorn.
Experts say mountain lions no longer roam the area, but this sighting on Mohawk Street is different -- two police officers saw the cat, too.
"When they got out the cruiser and went to the back, they reported seeing a large animal walk by them. They describe it as a 5- to 6-foot cat, very low to the ground, very muscular with a long tail," said Acton police Lt. Don Palma.
An electric sign has been put up in town to alert residents and pet owners. Police are also urging people who jog at dusk or dawn to use extra caution.
"I wouldn't rule anything out, but it would be my belief if there was a cougar here, it is probably an illegal release. There is an illegal trade of wildlife of what they call 'prestige pets,'" said Tony Wolski, of the environmental police.
If you do come face to face with a mountain lion, experts say you should not run, try to appear as big as possible and make a lot of noise.
Thus, when they find cougar scats with bells in them and smelling of pepper spray, the police will know you didn't run off with your secretary...
Bill
Of course! Cats eat 'rats on occasion..
A few years ago, a fellow near here saw his dog being attacked in his back yard by another dog. He ran out and pulled the "dog" off, only to find out that it was not a dog at all, but a full grown mountain lion. He lived to tell the tail. His dog was only a little torn up too.
tail = tale . . . Freudian slip, I guess
Bury your cats in your "state officials" yard.
A woman was praying at the Holy Abby in Canon City about four years ago. A mountain lion strolled right into the chapel. I'm certain that she had time for one more quick prayer as she was leaving. They never did catch the cat after it left on it's own.
THERE ARE NO GUNS!!! THEY ARE OUTLAWED!! YOU DID NOT SEE THAT!!! IT DID NOT HAPPEN!!!!
Report to your Pharmacotherapist IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Why? Do you want me to shoot him?
Heavans to Mergatroid!!
"It's an animal. It does what it's instincts tell it to do. It's not the animal's fault why he's loose, why should he be killed ? I don't get it."
You're right, you don't get it. The only thing that keeps those things from eating people is fear, and this one is not afraid. It needs to be put down before it gives some jogger a fatal nip on the back of the neck.
I'm just trying to help you learn to play "Brainwashed Commuchusetts Lieberal" so your wackjob leftist neighbors won't spot you for an Evil Republican Right-Wing Extremist and turn you in to the State Department of Social Rehabilitation or something...
I think the Bush-Cheney 04 signs in the windows of the house and the cars have me pretty much labeled as an Evil Right-Wing Republican Extremist. The odd thing is that once you get outside I-495 DemonRATS tend to be in shorter supply. Perhaps the mountain lions have been eating them. They act like chickens; maybe they taste like chicken.
Three 'S' time. Shoot, shovel, shut up.
Or, better yet, after they kill and skin it they can auction off the hide on-line, to recover their expenses in protecting the public.
I need several hides to make a coat, be sure to post the URl to the auction for this Cougar skin.
The meat is reported to be very tasty, the big cats dine mostly on venison.
They can serve it at the local jail, or a local indigent's boarding facility.
Support recycling!
Messianic prophecies anyone...i.e. Isaiah
LOL!
There have been quite a few confirmed sightings recently here in Eastern Nebraska (one was captured in Omaha last year) and even some in Iowa. Mountain lions wander hundreds of miles, particularly young males. Despite being daytime predators, they manage to stay out of sight very effectively most of the time. I'd guess quite a few people have been close enough to one that they would require a change of underclothing if they ever found out.
Only one I ever saw was in Cali. (upper Carmel valley)
Coyotes are no threat to you, or even to children above toddler age. Southern California is *full* of coyotes, and I think there has been only one incident of a coyote attacking a kid. A toddler got a nip from one in his front yard somewhere in the L.A. hills. I mean, you've got to understand that L.A. is literally crawling with coyotes, and no one is attacked. They're very skittish about people, and will take off if you come near them.
The same is true for the coyotes who've made their way east in the past three decades.
Watch out for your pets, though. That part you've got right.
I go walking in the woods in Acton all the time. As well as other towns in the area such as Carlisle, Concord, Bedford, Groton, Pepperell and my hometown of Chelmsford. Haven't seen any mountain lions but a lot of deer. This morning's walk is going to be COLD!
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