See Why the Mysterious Mountain Lion Is the ‘Bigfoot’ of Big Cats | Short Film Showcase

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  • čas přidán 12. 11. 2017
  • Much like the legendary Bigfoot or Yeti, the elusive mountain lion has also acquired its own mythical status.
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    The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.
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    The secretive and solitary nature of this species makes them notoriously difficult to study and understand. Although there is much we still do not know about the secretive lives of mountain lions, innovative research techniques and technology have allowed biologists to get a glimpse into the behavior, diet, and ecology of these mysterious big cats.
    In this short film by Ben Masters, get up close with Texas’ largest apex predator as biologists from the Borderlands Research Institute track, capture, and collar cougars in the Davis Mountains of West Texas.
    Ben Masters: www.benmasters.com/
    Learn more about mountain lions: www.nationalgeographic.com/an...
    See Why the Mysterious Mountain Lion Is the ‘Bigfoot’ of Big Cats | Short Film Showcase
    • See Why the Mysterious...
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Komentáře • 2,2K

  • @davidsanders3028
    @davidsanders3028 Před 5 lety +480

    My dad told me a story about how he walked around a snowy boulder, came back around and there was cougar tracks in his tracks. He never saw it.

    • @judithbeers7598
      @judithbeers7598 Před 4 lety +45

      Yup, they will stock you and you will never see them. It happened to my dad, exactly like you described.

    • @carlindurfee7566
      @carlindurfee7566 Před 3 lety +4

      @@maddawgnoll what state are you in Cali? I’m not a liberal but I think let nature take its course. They can be checked by other large predators but since when did it become humans job

    • @vonderloo3184
      @vonderloo3184 Před 3 lety +6

      This is why 411 conspiracies exist. Children dont stand a chance.

    • @DjAether8
      @DjAether8 Před 3 lety +2

      @@maddawgnoll I'm in Cali and I am open in my views to some things. Heard mountain lion steak tastes really good 😁

    • @cali2468
      @cali2468 Před 3 lety +1

      @@maddawgnoll Yeah GTFO out of California ASAP!

  • @bigfootisoutthere2707
    @bigfootisoutthere2707 Před 6 lety +1819

    It's freaky to think how many times you been out in the woods and these big cats could be right next to you and you wouldn't even know they are there.

    • @StandWatie1862
      @StandWatie1862 Před 6 lety +186

      Bigfoot Is Out There Yeah and like all cats they attack from behind. That's why bushmen in India wear masks with eyes on the back of their heads so Tigers and Leopards don't get the drop on them.

    • @bigfootisoutthere2707
      @bigfootisoutthere2707 Před 6 lety +30

      Andre Caillot
      That's creepy! I believe it

    • @teej783
      @teej783 Před 6 lety +83

      It is a unique feeling, I assure you. I walked into a mountain lion den in Oregon a few years ago. At first I was excited about all the big mule deer antlers I found, most with the spine still attached when I remembered that "deer are like elephants and have an deer graveyard". I was standing in an arroyo that had wall about 20 feet high on both sides of me. I picked up a big set of antlers to protect myself with and got off that hill. This was just outside of Mitchell, Oregon.

    • @Nova902Scotia
      @Nova902Scotia Před 6 lety +33

      Soooo.... You were on a hill that had 20 foot walls on both sides,I'm having trouble visualizing that...nice story thou

    • @Nova902Scotia
      @Nova902Scotia Před 6 lety +11

      Ohhh.... What part of a deer resembles and elephant,help me visualize that too will yeah...

  • @ekim64cub
    @ekim64cub Před 5 lety +1663

    Deadliest animal in Red Dead Redemption.

  • @PriceA1993
    @PriceA1993 Před 4 lety +162

    when the trap snapped on his wrist my heart jumped

  • @txanimalguru
    @txanimalguru Před 6 lety +2574

    The last big cat of North America is a huge part of the ecosystem and needs to be protected

    • @Garrett1240
      @Garrett1240 Před 6 lety +51

      It is protected.

    • @clemenza24
      @clemenza24 Před 6 lety +262

      it said in the video there are no protections for these cats in Texas as you are allowed to hunt and trap them,it SHOULD be illegal to harm these cats in any way

    • @Big_Appa-
      @Big_Appa- Před 6 lety +96

      Jaguars are in Arizona....

    • @stl0268
      @stl0268 Před 5 lety +57

      Jack Ivie jaguars are in Mexico and there are even some in Arizona

    • @emekaiheanacho6971
      @emekaiheanacho6971 Před 5 lety +37

      Mountain lion is not considered a big cat

  • @ho2cultcha
    @ho2cultcha Před 6 lety +3531

    they've got to start making those collars smaller and less intrusive.

    • @bojidarmartinov5949
      @bojidarmartinov5949 Před 6 lety +69

      ho2cultcha hippie

    • @peasant3986
      @peasant3986 Před 6 lety +322

      I can totally understand where you're coming from but these collars are to make sure no one hunts them down.

    • @peasant3986
      @peasant3986 Před 6 lety +208

      So hunters can see that the mountain lion is being tracked

    • @jonmeray713
      @jonmeray713 Před 6 lety +160

      It has to live on a single charge for a long period.

    • @jacktrollering7649
      @jacktrollering7649 Před 6 lety +67

      +Araknyl I'm a pro hunter those big colors can hang on roots and kill them

  • @officialVozie100
    @officialVozie100 Před 4 lety +315

    I'm apache we look at them as guardians of the forest

  • @leylamatyakubova179
    @leylamatyakubova179 Před 5 lety +67

    4:18 I thought it was a picture, majestic, what a stare wow

  • @bryancarter4554
    @bryancarter4554 Před 6 lety +154

    How could there be no hunting laws in Texas for mountain lions? That’s just unbelievable to me

    • @Delightfully_Bitchy
      @Delightfully_Bitchy Před 2 lety +18

      I mean, "not shooting things" seem to be more of a guideline in Texas.

    • @rojvankoc7252
      @rojvankoc7252 Před 2 lety +1

      Thats fu*kt up

    • @hayvenforpeace
      @hayvenforpeace Před 2 lety +27

      Unfortunately the culture there doesn't include respect for wildlife, so the laws aren't there to protect them. It's a problem throughout the South.

    • @sethwicker5340
      @sethwicker5340 Před rokem +4

      Get out in the woods with a mean one and see if you won’t shoot it

    • @CrashB111
      @CrashB111 Před rokem +27

      @@sethwicker5340 People defending their lives obviously isn't what's at issue here. It's people going out and hunting down Mountain Lion's because they feel they are a threat to their livestock or pets.
      Unless we want an iconic American animal to go extinct, we have to be more careful about how we handle them. Instead of just hunting them down, call things like animal control or the park service. Let them capture and relocate the Lion instead of just killing it.

  • @firstnamelastname9215
    @firstnamelastname9215 Před 6 lety +665

    Mountain lions are beautiful but very scary

    • @ronhenson5917
      @ronhenson5917 Před 5 lety +43

      Back in July my 31 yr old daughter and I were charged one late night at the end of a 20 mile hike. We yelled, screamed and it stopped short, followed us a ways, then left us. Scary experience. As lions become more plentiful here in California expect humans to become part of their diet. Not good for us in lion country.

    • @robbied2113
      @robbied2113 Před 5 lety +16

      That's part of why they are beautiful they aren't cute or sweet they're sublime.

    • @TzsNatureWithJameelFar
      @TzsNatureWithJameelFar Před 5 lety +12

      they're not scary but they'll be that if your in their territory

    • @lorraineweller4929
      @lorraineweller4929 Před 5 lety +18

      @@TzsNatureWithJameelFar exactly lol all these people that get attacked like more than half the time people are in there territory it's like when a hunter gets killed I can't feel sorry for them at all

    • @thetruthdatedr.4766
      @thetruthdatedr.4766 Před 5 lety +7

      What is considered their territory though?@@lorraineweller4929

  • @marcusmiro7481
    @marcusmiro7481 Před rokem +61

    I grew up completely terrified of these lol. Grew up in a suburb surrounded by mountains, and was regularly told as a kid: Never go in the mountains alone. Beautiful creatures, but totally terrifying.

    • @jimmyneutron6766
      @jimmyneutron6766 Před rokem +1

      Cougars really aren't dangerous unless provoked somehow, they actually fear people. Theyll take on a person if they're rabid or if they think their cubs are threatened but otherwise are literally terrified of us and stay hidden, which is why most people in cougar populated areas barely ever see one.

    • @annekincannon-kf3hx
      @annekincannon-kf3hx Před rokem +1

      I bet you are from Boulder, CO or nearby. It’s good advice.

    • @clicheguevara5282
      @clicheguevara5282 Před rokem +1

      You should check out Messi the Puma on CZcams. Lol
      He's a full grown mountain lion in Russia that lives the life of a housecat.

    • @nordic5490
      @nordic5490 Před 7 měsíci +2

      You are 200x more likley to be killed by a dog than by a mountain lion.

  • @Impositivelygay
    @Impositivelygay Před 5 měsíci +5

    protect these majestic animals before they suffer the same fate as tigers

  • @maumend1791
    @maumend1791 Před 6 lety +32

    I never knew I loved mountain lions this much...until now thank you

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +8

      We're so glad you love them even more now! 🦁

  • @astrum097
    @astrum097 Před 6 lety +998

    They should definitely be protected.

    • @josuemolina9293
      @josuemolina9293 Před 6 lety +24

      jack duval most if not all animals shoudl be protected. Guess some more than others. But they are beautiful animals ✊🏽

    • @Sgtassburgler
      @Sgtassburgler Před 5 lety +11

      Same with grizzlies and black bears.

    • @chrisnickle8585
      @chrisnickle8585 Před 5 lety +13

      jack duval I agree 100%. I hate to say it but I got friends that hunt for fun even their wives sometimes have shot em and I’m not against hunting but I am if you’re not going to eat it or if it’s not for protection. I’d only shoot 1 if I had to before it gets my family but if I can wait it out safely I’ll call the popo and hope they’ll sedate it and relocate it

    • @mikeleikam2892
      @mikeleikam2892 Před 5 lety +7

      Nebraska just oked a hunting season on mountain lion!! Can't wait to go! Supposed to be good eating!

    • @Dishsoapbomb
      @Dishsoapbomb Před 5 lety +8

      jack duval In BC, Canada, we have an absolute abundance of cougars. They decimate the population of ungulates. It’s all about conservation.

  • @SmoothRuffian
    @SmoothRuffian Před 6 lety +92

    I didn't know Ben Stiller was into mountain lions...

  • @SunnySide388
    @SunnySide388 Před 3 lety +22

    The mountain lion probably feels like how humans do when they get abducted by aliens

  • @imrickjamesbitch6363
    @imrickjamesbitch6363 Před 6 lety +340

    I live in El Paso and ive seen several before...including one in my back yard which scared the shit out of me!!

    • @StandWatie1862
      @StandWatie1862 Před 6 lety +2

      Love that desert. El Paso is my favorite get away place.

    • @Guhglock17
      @Guhglock17 Před 6 lety +6

      imrick jamesbitch what part of El Paso do
      You live at I live in El Paso my self to and I’ve never seen one

    • @theevilasylum3514
      @theevilasylum3514 Před 6 lety +4

      Ladiesman217 I live in Dallas , I've seen one in grand prairie Tx Dallas county .

    • @DanielSanchez-ss9bs
      @DanielSanchez-ss9bs Před 6 lety +1

      imrick jamesbitch I live in El Paso and saw one in the desert between agua dulce and Clint Texas which is in the outskirts of El Paso there is also lots of feral dogs maybe the cats feed on them there are also lots of javalines Wich is a kind of American will pig (pecaries) good pretty too

    • @thorndondlinger9669
      @thorndondlinger9669 Před 6 lety +5

      Were I live a 4-year-old girl was killed by a mountain lion in her back yard

  • @HazmanTheGreat
    @HazmanTheGreat Před 6 lety +121

    I Live in Texas and this breaks my heart. I just love all cat species. Thank you Nate Geo for another great video. Always exciting when a notification from you guys comes.

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +17

      It's great to hear that you're a fan! We love mountain lions as well and hope to understand more about them in the future!

    • @haruspex1-50
      @haruspex1-50 Před 2 lety

      @@NatGeo can they be introduced to Australia. I think their numbers will flourish there and keep the evasive species in check.

  • @philipgior3312
    @philipgior3312 Před 7 měsíci +5

    in my opinion the most impressive creatures in North America. The mentality of those who'd want to shoot one, except in an immanent life or death situation, is beyond me.

  • @dinosaursmate2341
    @dinosaursmate2341 Před 3 lety +14

    seeing the huge collar going on the cat made me so sad

    • @lilyie9864
      @lilyie9864 Před 3 lety

      its very light they dont even notice it.

    • @insanatty
      @insanatty Před 3 lety +2

      Lily ie how can they not notice it? It looks very uncomfortable.

    • @dieleg
      @dieleg Před 2 lety

      @@insanatty it looks very uncomfortable but its not

  • @TekNeez
    @TekNeez Před 6 lety +56

    Wow. They’re beautiful

  • @supremeleadernugget2117
    @supremeleadernugget2117 Před 6 lety +195

    Did you know saber-tooth cats are more related to mountain lions and leopards than tigers or lions?

    • @elizabethmagovern9250
      @elizabethmagovern9250 Před 5 lety +11

      Oh God, pumas with saber teeth

    • @adaptiveagile
      @adaptiveagile Před 5 lety +22

      Cool. Another random factoid to clutter my brain. But seriously, that is interesting. Thanks. So I’ll reciprocate. Have you ever seen Pekingese dogs? They are tiny-maybe 7-12 pounds, with an amazing amount of fur. From what I heard, these little dogs are the closest living relatives to the Asian Wolf.

    • @danielspain6801
      @danielspain6801 Před 4 lety +1

      No that not true..

    • @danielspain6801
      @danielspain6801 Před 4 lety +12

      Mountain lions are more closely related to cheetahs
      Leopards and lions are more closely related to each other
      Saber-tooth is closely related the clouded leopards

    • @silkiethegoat171
      @silkiethegoat171 Před 4 lety +8

      The closest relative of the smilodon today is the clouded leopard. The closest relative to cougars are house cats.

  • @motoant7055
    @motoant7055 Před 6 lety +97

    I love when I see big cats do things that my cats do 😂😂

  • @AddieSteri
    @AddieSteri Před 4 lety +198

    Leave them alone. They’re just tryna chill in solitude

    • @barbaraballard9738
      @barbaraballard9738 Před 4 lety +13

      Absolutely! I live with them in the forest. I see no need to be harrasing them. They don't want contact with humans.

    • @officialVozie100
      @officialVozie100 Před 4 lety +30

      I'm native american if only SOME PEOPLE learn to leave wildlife and people alone the world can be a much better place. Some people dont know how to mind their own business it's sad really....

    • @karlblak7500
      @karlblak7500 Před 4 lety +7

      @@officialVozie100 yep,these same people will go as far as hunting killer whales,kill families,and take the babies only to be train in some circus for so called entertainment.These people love to play with mother nature but hate when mother nature strict back ie so called global warming.

    • @audreydutremble3147
      @audreydutremble3147 Před 4 lety +5

      @@officialVozie100 ANYONE WHO HUNTS ANIMALS LIKE THIS DESERVES TO GET HURT

    • @jaxcaulfield7071
      @jaxcaulfield7071 Před 4 lety

      @@barbaraballard9738 I can't understand it, it must hurt you a lot!

  • @Pumpkintiti
    @Pumpkintiti Před 6 lety +363

    I love these particular big cats. Their one of my favorites

    • @Crusader1815
      @Crusader1815 Před 6 lety +10

      They weigh about the same as humans do, but they aren't really "big" cats, since they are much more closely related to your housecat than they are to lions and tigers. Some of the videos of tame ones on you tube really show how friendly they can be if they are socialized. Their behavior is remarkably similar to that of house cats.

    • @Trilltord
      @Trilltord Před 6 lety +3

      Joseph Giangrandere what he said Is a fact though so you can disagree all you like lol

    • @tylerash98
      @tylerash98 Před 6 lety +1

      No, they are absolutely considered big cats.

    • @gwenwilliams3816
      @gwenwilliams3816 Před 6 lety

      Pumpkin0330 titi tttttttt

    • @michaelmeining889
      @michaelmeining889 Před 5 lety +2

      @@tylerash98 they are not. The only big cats are: Tigers, Lions, Leopards and Jaguars. They are considered big cats because they can roar. Mountain lions can't make that noise so that's why they aren't big cats

  • @Pauly_walnuts
    @Pauly_walnuts Před 6 lety +28

    They're so beautiful.

  • @mikemagnum7987
    @mikemagnum7987 Před 6 lety +23

    I've come across fresh cougar kills twice. The first time, I was with my older brother and we felt pretty safe, but very cautious and weary about how close the cat was. That kill was a very large mule deer buck and by the looks of things, that cougar didn't take much time in dispatching that buck! The second time, I was alone and pretty deep into some rough country woods and came right upon the kill without realizing that I had! The deer was a doe in this case and the blood was still bright and red where ever you saw it, so I knew that this was about as fresh as a cat kill can get..... Even being well armed with a large caliber handgun, knowing that there is a super predator close by and it probably doesn't like you being right at it's food, It's not a good feeling, so I didn't waste any time easing on out of there and putting some distance between me and that kill! The problem is, you just can't be 100% certain that the direction of egress is taking you away from rather towards, that dang cougar! ;)

    • @josha3891
      @josha3891 Před 4 lety +1

      That's is awesome, and also a bit terrifying.

  • @lissanne2783
    @lissanne2783 Před 4 lety +4

    I’ve come face to face with one and he just smelled the air around him and stared at me. He probably smelled the air 4-5 times while maintaining eye contact with me and I faced him from a forward stance and never let my eyes leave him. He then slowly turned around and walked away. He crept off into some thick bushes, and I got into my car and left. Something told me he watched me and knew exactly where I was. My instinct said he was still around, but the encounter went very well and he didn’t get aggressive or try to attack.

    • @lissanne2783
      @lissanne2783 Před 4 lety

      SørenCast Z , well you my dear haven’t ever lived remotely in the wilderness. I hike the back country and drive all around the woods. I don’t live in a city where predators are people. I’ve had many encounters with wild animals and so far I’ve been fortunate enough to never have any real serious issues..other than a bear that ran me and my cousins into the water in Alaska. Believe what you want..I don’t care. It’s a true story..mountain lions are rarely ever seen and they know exactly where you’re at..you won’t see them they’re experts at hiding.

  • @zoiedee5341
    @zoiedee5341 Před 6 lety +131

    Big beautiful cats!

  • @coltinyancey3671
    @coltinyancey3671 Před 6 lety +335

    They are beautiful, but still a predator. They kill full size elk do not mistake them for a cuddly cat. Alas not a plague to be eradicated either.

    • @couragew6260
      @couragew6260 Před 6 lety +57

      Your right. Every predator and prey have a point in the ecosystem. Except mosquitoes. I Wanna light those bugs on fire.

    • @Mathignihilcehk
      @Mathignihilcehk Před 6 lety +4

      the immortal badass flaming mosquitoes? No thanks.

    • @elvinbertcorvera1884
      @elvinbertcorvera1884 Před 4 lety

      To make it short, maintain considerable space.

    • @judithbeers7598
      @judithbeers7598 Před 4 lety

      You will never irradicate them, they are too cunning.

    • @jerldz4140
      @jerldz4140 Před 4 lety

      Check out I_am_Puma on here/CZcams Messi is adorable!

  • @sarahreid3467
    @sarahreid3467 Před měsícem +2

    So much stress for this poor cat. He probably never had any interaction with people. He must be frightened stiff.

  • @6ixCellphones
    @6ixCellphones Před 6 lety +25

    Wow, such a majestic animal.

  • @kenjackson3177
    @kenjackson3177 Před 4 lety +5

    Sure wish these beautiful animals could be protected.

  • @j.db.1759
    @j.db.1759 Před 4 lety +135

    Im in Oregon we definitely have them here and numbers seem to continue growing. Personally they are very beautiful and impressive powerful cats but i am absolutely terrified of them. I have young children and children are easily targeted. All my kids carry cougar/ bear repellents and all have whistles that are very high pitched and load to hopefully deter predators but also use if there is an emergency.

    • @judithbeers7598
      @judithbeers7598 Před 4 lety +14

      Smart parents

    • @maestro4086
      @maestro4086 Před 4 lety +2

      Chris that’s insane I hope the kid is ok

    • @lcobb5214
      @lcobb5214 Před 4 lety

      They need to be harvested if around kids

    • @deankruse2891
      @deankruse2891 Před 3 lety +6

      Heads up, you never want to make hi pitch Noises around predators, it mimics their normal prey like deer. If your kids are to make any noise around a mountain lion it should be deep and aggressive, sale with black bears

    • @darchendon7926
      @darchendon7926 Před 3 lety

      You can fool ambush predators by wearing a mask on the back of your head
      The cat will think you're looking at it and will find something else to stalk

  • @jmtigerfan4765
    @jmtigerfan4765 Před 6 lety +8

    I had a run-in with a mountain lion on a trail at night 12 yards from me while walking back to camp after an elk hunt in Colorado last September. It probably would have attacked me if I hadn't have seen it's eyes with my headlight before I walked past it. Even knowing this, I still love and respect the species and hope we protect them.

  • @manfco
    @manfco Před 3 lety +5

    My dad is a geologist, he once told us about this visit they were doing to an old subterrain mine, before they were decided to get in, they took a little launch break at the feet of the entrance, while talking and making noises with plates and all that stuff, a cougar jumped out of the mine entrance, it just runned into the woods. Later on they wondered what would have happened if they decided to go into the darky mine right away when they arrive to the mine point. They would have been face to face with a dangeorus trapped cougar and only "one way to go entrance/exit" ..... freakin scary and dangerous.

  • @kaion9557
    @kaion9557 Před 4 lety +10

    These animals are beautiful! I love them! They inspire me to be fierce, brave, and strong!

  • @99xjokerx
    @99xjokerx Před 6 lety +19

    It’s good to see that at least one of the big cats is doing well

  • @milzijex7340
    @milzijex7340 Před 5 lety +2

    All the animals shown are simply gorgeous including beautiful lion.

  • @nateshow8849
    @nateshow8849 Před 6 lety +21

    Mountain Lions are amazing creatures

  • @shaggymason8415
    @shaggymason8415 Před 5 lety +11

    I go hiking in Western Washington and I've had 3 hiss/growl at me through the bushes but I've never actually scene one

    • @brianvector
      @brianvector Před 3 lety +2

      You've never SEEN one. Like a SCENE from a movie. SEEN vs SCENE. Learn English.

  • @geneticfreak2411
    @geneticfreak2411 Před 6 lety +17

    Come to the Rocky Mountains you'll see em in your backyard once a week lol.

  • @Nasmr1
    @Nasmr1 Před 5 lety +2

    Veeeeeeeeeeeeeery interesting that natgeo used Bigfoot in the description like it’s a matter of fact animal that just so happens to be hyper elusive.

  • @jpar6031
    @jpar6031 Před 6 lety +6

    The problem with this is there is no control group so measuring that "53% of all collared cougars die within the first year" could mean that you messing with them is what caused their death.

    • @jessetaylor7951
      @jessetaylor7951 Před 2 lety +1

      Was looking for this comment. Why do I have a feeling that number is DEFINITELY higher than cougars who were left alone?? 🤔 Lots of scientists openly admit radio collars can do more harm than good. Especially since the "collared" animal never actually _directly_ benefit from the research. And I don't understand how in the day of 'track your iphone' and those little sticker GPS tags to stick to your keys or whatever that they can't figure out a more appropriately sized apparatus to do the job than those ungodly large neck obtrusions they dare call a 'collar'. Very sad.

    • @brandtbuchanan5526
      @brandtbuchanan5526 Před 2 lety +1

      That's definitely a legit consideration. That's why you need several different studies and studies that look at the same thing using different methods. That said, that 53% survival estimate is way higher than the studies the state is using to justify not regulating mountain lions. 🤔

  • @hayvenforpeace
    @hayvenforpeace Před 2 lety +19

    I'm in New Mexico and we have a lot of mountain lions here, too. They're rarely seen, but they are pretty numerous and hunt deer, bighorn sheep and other large ruminants. I think these cats should be protected and preserved, they're an important part of the ecosystem here in the Mountain West.

    • @NadiaGirl1
      @NadiaGirl1 Před rokem +1

      I agree look at what they showed they don’t eat any livestock and people kill them because they supposedly eat the livestock when they don’t.

  • @michaelhart5969
    @michaelhart5969 Před 6 lety +396

    Need way smaller collars or don't put them on

    • @hiagain4587
      @hiagain4587 Před 6 lety +4

      How heavy are those? Does anyone know

    • @StringfellowHawke197
      @StringfellowHawke197 Před 6 lety +17

      I agree, that large of a collar puts them at risk of harm.

    • @thejman36
      @thejman36 Před 6 lety +28

      Well, we have a president cutting funds to every environmental/conversational aspect of our country so I'm not surprised.

    • @rileyxbell
      @rileyxbell Před 5 lety +5

      I agree 100% those collars are ridiculous they should strap a belt around those researchers necks and hang a 10 pound rock from it so they can see how it feels

    • @garretphegley8796
      @garretphegley8796 Před 5 lety

      My coondogs Garmin is like a fraction of the size.

  • @LoserCatStudios
    @LoserCatStudios Před 3 lety +2

    Once my dad saw a mountain lion walking down our street. I’m fascinated with these animals, but not up close and personal

  • @notsosilentmajority1
    @notsosilentmajority1 Před 3 lety +4

    The reason that they are not being destroyed is because they are smart enough to stay away from humans. These monitored cougars in West Texas apparently had a 0% livestock rate for a food source. Of course, that isn't the same everywhere but overall they don't bother too much livestock and they avoid people as much as possible. There are some problems with them in CA but there seem to be a lot of humans hiking and riding bikes, etc. in cougar country. Certain animals become accustomed to living around humans and will even begin to eat human garbage, etc.. They then become nuisance animals and that's when their numbers really start to dwindle. The mountain lion just wants to be left alone and that seems to be the smartest thing to do. The less human interaction, the better chance of living and thriving.

  • @And0ne35
    @And0ne35 Před 6 lety +57

    4:22 kinda just froze me for a second

  • @user-ln2pn7pc4i
    @user-ln2pn7pc4i Před 6 lety +4

    That's so messed up to be putting a collar on them like that.

  • @Me2Lancer
    @Me2Lancer Před 5 lety +4

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful, mysterious and elusive creature.

  • @jacob3774
    @jacob3774 Před 5 lety +7

    Had one try to kill me last month in my driveway while I was getting in my jacuzzi. Charged me luckily I hit it in the head with a small log and it ran off. Beautiful animal still love them but be vigilant while hiking especially if on a bike. My case is rare but it can happen even right outside your own entry door.

    • @judithbeers7598
      @judithbeers7598 Před 4 lety +1

      A Cougar killed and partially ate a Mt. biker in W. WA. a couple of years ago. His friend got away.

  • @erinobrien8408
    @erinobrien8408 Před 6 lety +24

    I have these (and black bears & bobcats) as neighbours. Wouldn't change a thing. Now what if I were careless and a mountain lion sends me on to my next life in order to feed her cubs? A: 1. Ouch, serious pain. 2. I cannot let myself believe that I am more important to this world than any other creature.

    • @lukaspieper633
      @lukaspieper633 Před 6 lety +5

      Joseph Giangrandere Why did feel like you have to add that? There was no differentiation between genders made in the original comments :D

    • @anthoneygrose9248
      @anthoneygrose9248 Před 5 lety

      what if im hungry too , you're selfish

  • @SophiaBaldi
    @SophiaBaldi Před 6 lety +14

    Beautiful show, thank you for all the wonders you do, you are the benefactors of nature, I congratulate you 😊💕💕💕👍

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +3

      Thanks for being a fan! 💛

  • @MichaelLoweAttorney
    @MichaelLoweAttorney Před rokem +4

    I saw one up close running in the dark on a trail. They have no fear of humans.

  • @GhostyMist
    @GhostyMist Před 5 lety +7

    Didn't know Ben Stiller was such a cowboy.

  • @VirgoCali89
    @VirgoCali89 Před 6 lety +165

    One of God's beautiful majestic animals

    • @barbarianking82799
      @barbarianking82799 Před 5 lety +8

      indeed they are

    • @rockopolo3247
      @rockopolo3247 Před 5 lety +2

      Predation was not the original plan.

    • @auntlynnonline6206
      @auntlynnonline6206 Před 5 lety +8

      @@rockopolo3247, predation by HUMANS was not in the 'Original Plan.' We've really screwed that up, haven't we?

    • @7he.Polexican
      @7he.Polexican Před 4 lety +2

      @@rockopolo3247 hopefully paradise is real whether my soul transfers to a different planet like Earth or whatever. But for all this in life, it can't be something that wasn't created by a Higher Power. So with that said I would love for the original plan to be so I can walk with all the apex predators and their current prey

    • @mr.stealyogirl4078
      @mr.stealyogirl4078 Před 4 lety +1

      @@auntlynnonline6206 nah its cool we good

  • @thomasdimarco1167
    @thomasdimarco1167 Před 6 lety +121

    Love you guys! Keep these videos coming!

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +6

      We're glad to hear it! For more Short Film Showcase, click here: bit.ly/2xiGYgz

    • @kickitoldskool
      @kickitoldskool Před 6 lety

      Thomas Di Marco
      Looks like you're first, so you win a Crown: 👑

  • @ravine6790
    @ravine6790 Před 4 lety +2

    It looks like an overgrown domestic cat. Cute animals

  • @funsweed
    @funsweed Před 6 lety +3

    I live on Vancouver Island and have spent a lot of time hiking , camping and river fishing and have only seen I cougar but I would think many have seen me . From what I understand the island has the high cougar population in N America , approximately 700, so the chances of them having seen me are quite good

  • @SomeGuy-zp9wr
    @SomeGuy-zp9wr Před 6 lety +61

    I appreciate the longer video

  • @untouchableali
    @untouchableali Před 6 lety +9

    Such a treasure you guys have in your country. I hope one day everyone develops a love for nature and the need to live and let live.

  • @CrystalHotSauce1
    @CrystalHotSauce1 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Mountain Lions are my spirit animal 💜

  • @dongray6834
    @dongray6834 Před 6 lety

    Thanks NatGeo for what you do.
    Keep on informing!

  • @marcusmiro7481
    @marcusmiro7481 Před rokem +3

    Ok so I had never heard of a Javelina before this and now they're one of my favorite animals. How adorable! Unfortunate I learned about them through learning about them being EATEN, but still...

  • @tomthebomb171
    @tomthebomb171 Před 6 lety +4

    Awesome video. As a hunter, I have always been amazed on how they are rarely seen, but yet, there is quite a few of them roaming.

    • @brandtbuchanan5526
      @brandtbuchanan5526 Před 2 lety +2

      I think learning more about how they hunt has made me a better hunter.

  • @sleekilla
    @sleekilla Před 4 lety +1

    3:00 that cat looked back like "I will remember your face" haha

  • @Treegrower
    @Treegrower Před 6 lety

    This is why I'm subbed. Amazing video!

  • @genxguy5275
    @genxguy5275 Před 6 lety +3

    Awesome animals to be respected, admired and left alone.

  • @bushranger3337
    @bushranger3337 Před 2 lety +3

    I Absolutely Love Cougar's They're So Fascinating!

  • @horsewomn
    @horsewomn Před 2 lety +1

    Cougars usually run when they see people. I am a Native Californian. They are around Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs. They are looking for water. They can’t hunt without water. Cities are the easiest source.

  • @SanFranciscoFatboy
    @SanFranciscoFatboy Před 3 měsíci +2

    no wonder they avoid people....... jeeze, that was brutal capture and forced drugging

  • @DeshawnRawHoopla
    @DeshawnRawHoopla Před 6 lety +120

    snow leopard and clouded leopard also

  • @x3xGR33Dx
    @x3xGR33Dx Před 4 lety +5

    had my volume low and I still flinched when the trap went off 😅

  • @SwampGas703
    @SwampGas703 Před 5 lety +1

    The scene at 5:21 is so nice, it looks like a diorama at the museum of natural history in New York.

  • @DankBudd
    @DankBudd Před 5 lety +2

    The time i seen one it jumped so far it looked like it was flying, such an awesome amazing animal

  • @NaomiAnastasia2022
    @NaomiAnastasia2022 Před 4 lety +18

    I think it's inhumane to put a monstrosity of a radio collar on an animal that small.

    • @afwanakmal4920
      @afwanakmal4920 Před 2 lety +1

      No it's not stupid

    • @michaelbruno1134
      @michaelbruno1134 Před 2 lety +1

      They have to track them

    • @junemarieweaver974
      @junemarieweaver974 Před rokem +1

      Agreed. Protect them AND leave them alone.

    • @marcusmiro7481
      @marcusmiro7481 Před rokem

      Girl 🤦‍♀, I'm a vegan. I hope you are. Because let me tell you that what they are doing isn't wrong. We CANNOT protect them without knowing how they live. Privileged airheads like you are the worst. You probably aren't even a vegan. You probably also have a purebred dog. A total hypocrite.

    • @filonin2
      @filonin2 Před rokem

      They range from 64 to 220 lbs. They are NOT small.

  • @PatrickPierceBateman
    @PatrickPierceBateman Před 5 lety +5

    1:10 That mountain lion has great muscle definition. What is his workout routine?

  • @jimmyjim2000
    @jimmyjim2000 Před 6 lety +1

    Spotted one in northern Michigan couple years back when we thought they were extinct from the area

  • @a-totally-random-person
    @a-totally-random-person Před 5 lety +2

    Beautiful animals! Please, let's preserve our wilderness.

  • @DuleSavic11
    @DuleSavic11 Před 6 lety +3

    This guy looks like Ben Stiller doing a parody of Walker Texas Ranger

  • @soundadapter
    @soundadapter Před 6 lety +3

    thumbs up
    Fantastic recordings
    wish you a good start to the new week
    best regards Frank

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety

      Thanks for watching Frank Michael Lischka

  • @Joh_290
    @Joh_290 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Warning When in the presence of mountain lions, it is important to remain calm and alert. Make your presence known with loud noises and try to appear as large as possible. Never turn your back to the lion or run away. If the mountain lion shows signs to attack, throw rocks or sticks, use your jacket as a shield, fight back aggressively, and aim for its head. If the lion has attacked, fight for your life and do not give up.

  • @michah321
    @michah321 Před rokem +1

    Omg that's horrifying!!! Those cruel horrific traps. I'm totally disgusted.

  • @amirrezvani_
    @amirrezvani_ Před 4 lety +5

    Snow leopards are the true big foot of cats..rarely seen in the wild

  • @fortinobarrios2436
    @fortinobarrios2436 Před 6 lety +5

    Awesome creatures, always see their tracks but never yet to have seen one in person!

    • @Nova902Scotia
      @Nova902Scotia Před 6 lety

      Fortino Barrios I'm with you on that...hopefully there is still excitement afterwards and that I'm not part of his bowel movement...took me 3 years to see/take pics of wild horses in the area I hunt/camp(Alberta).When I zoomed in on pics taken,one of the horses had had an encounter with a bear or cougar and survived the ordeal.Have been honoured to have been able to take pics of 2 wolves in the same area on numerous occasions. I think they were introduced to the area sterile to help keep a healthy balance to the ecosystem,have never seen pups/subordinates with them in the area I roam around in..Can't wait for the first encounter,hopefully granddads bowing knife keeps me safe...cheers

    • @annekincannon-kf3hx
      @annekincannon-kf3hx Před rokem

      Do you people have any idea what a lion encounter with a human says about the health of the lions living situation? Seems like you are blinded by your greed for excitement. It means over population and hunger do to maximum carrying capacity of the land for the species has been exceeded. Geez, you people and your narrow scope of info and personal benefit regardless of what it means to the animal blows my mind.

    • @osamanazzal4302
      @osamanazzal4302 Před 20 dny

      @@annekincannon-kf3hx Humans have no room to talk about overpopulation. We are highly overpopulated, ourselves.

  • @mjv40
    @mjv40 Před 5 lety +1

    I really wish this was 10x longer

  • @Nicov35
    @Nicov35 Před 6 lety +1

    Very misleading title, but what a fantastic video. Mountain lions are my favorite cat.

  • @chriscowan3285
    @chriscowan3285 Před 4 lety +4

    Ive seen two here on my farm here in PA both times around 3am using a thermal scope. You can hear them screaming as they go

    • @___george1629
      @___george1629 Před 3 lety

      Ive heard 2 in PA, one in Maryland, and seen one in Virginia. The sighting was extremely Clear and was 100% not a bobcat. Yet every eastern state declares them "extinct".

    • @courtneygrier2015
      @courtneygrier2015 Před 3 lety +1

      @@___george1629 they're in Kansas too. Only 7 hour drive from the Rockies but wildlife officials have said in the past they're not here. I was telling my encounter story to workers at the Nature Center recently and they laughed and said "oh we all know they're here."

    • @___george1629
      @___george1629 Před 3 lety

      @@courtneygrier2015 yup

  • @Mharriscreations
    @Mharriscreations Před 6 lety +12

    Awesome. Love these creatures. Mountain Lions are my favorite animals, and I've been lucky enough to catch a brief glimpse of two or three of them in the wild.

  • @cr7king4ever78
    @cr7king4ever78 Před 5 lety +1

    Such beautiful and majestic animals nothing but admiration

  • @MrSevillian
    @MrSevillian Před 5 lety +2

    Hunting as a sport is beyond my comprehension. And if it's about your cattle, equally unjustified.

  • @marvinjames6398
    @marvinjames6398 Před 6 lety +15

    Amazing video. These cats are so beautiful and majestic.

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +1

      Yes they are! Ben Masters does an incredible job framing the lions.

  • @Pumpkintiti
    @Pumpkintiti Před 6 lety +295

    IdU why people are hurting and killing big cats. They aren't hurting or bothering the human population

    • @milagros.h8513
      @milagros.h8513 Před 6 lety +36

      Pumpkin0330 titi
      Excuse me, this "big cats" ARE hurting people and whatever aninals people have there. I know it's sad kill them, but sometimes it's necessary; your life or they.

    • @Silkendrum
      @Silkendrum Před 6 lety +67

      Myth and fear. Away from population centers they are not a problem.

    • @thetruthsetsyoufree1492
      @thetruthsetsyoufree1492 Před 6 lety +30

      Yeah, I’m wondering what will happen to mountain lions in the big bend national park near the US/Mexico border if Trump’s wall plan goes ahead there.

    • @Silkendrum
      @Silkendrum Před 6 lety +49

      It's a potentially serious problem, and various animal welfare groups have been trying to address it. It's not just big cats' territories that would be disrupted, but many animals seasonally migrate across the border. But the people who want the wall are not necessarily the types to worry about details like that.

    • @sushanalone
      @sushanalone Před 6 lety +4

      they are monitoring their behaviour and gaining knowledge as to how we can help them should there be an epidemic or habitat loss because King Trump wants a coal mine in the middle of the habitat in the next 10 years. :P

  • @tobynixon
    @tobynixon Před 4 lety +1

    Mountain Lions are beautiful and can be loving. Don't think of them as a cold hearted killer. A Mountain lion made me her friend when I hunted. Saved my life during an Elk attack and watched over me on long cold nights. She Loved me and loved to hang out with me. She was a constant companion and she was a wild thing. After all, I can't eat a whole deer by myself. I don't eat vermin either. She would find the vermin and I would shoot it. Letting her eat. She seemed hungry and stressed when I first saw her.

  • @carmendawnallan8871
    @carmendawnallan8871 Před 6 lety +1

    Gorgeous Lions,Cubs Are Adorable. Great Job your,All Doing to Keep them Safe. 😊.👍 ♡ First time I,seen a Collar put on a Lion.

  • @washurhands5079
    @washurhands5079 Před 6 lety +3

    Wow. Amazing. What beautiful animals. I’d be scared to be approached by one

    • @NatGeo
      @NatGeo  Před 6 lety +2

      They are beautiful but we suggest keeping your distance!

    • @washurhands5079
      @washurhands5079 Před 6 lety +2

      National Geographic oh I will! I’m a heavy gal so I’m sure they’d think I’m delicious

  • @GoDbax
    @GoDbax Před 6 lety +3

    They're collaring these cats so they can learn about them and their habits. It's very useful in determining the tag limits for not only the mountain lions, but for their prey as well. Mountain lions are not endangered. They're not on there way to being endangered either.

    • @moviereviews1446
      @moviereviews1446 Před 6 měsíci +1

      They have however been pushed out of most of their former habitat.

  • @BoisterousPancakeBoi
    @BoisterousPancakeBoi Před rokem +1

    Cougar: as big as a human male
    Scientists: it can't roar, so it's a small cat

  • @horsewomn
    @horsewomn Před 2 lety +1

    I know it was necessary but, that cat was scared. Poor baby.