Mountain Lion (cougar, puma) - High Sierra Trail, CA
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2017
- Encountered this beauty 8 miles from Crescent Meadow on the High Sierra Trail (Sequoia National Park, CA). Sam Vonderheide (teacher at Arroyo Grande High School) spotted her first ... I wasn't a believer but turned on my video just in case. What an experience!
We were also fortunate to see (and capture on video) a rattlesnake, bear, .. and frog ;) .. Check those links out as well if interested.
Bear: • Bear - High Sierra Trail
Rattlesnake: • Rattlesnake - High Sie...
Frog: • Frog - High Sierra Trail
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brian: almost *DIED*
people: ThAts WhY i BrInG LaSeR POinT
hahahaha too funny .. but next time I'll be more prepared with a laser pointer :)
Right in the eyeball
@@bdmckinney I would love to see these and other apex animals that the US has to offer. Unfortunately here in the UK we only have foxes, badgers and pissed Karens when Starbucks get their order wrong. 😔🤣
2:00 and THAT is why they have survived for millions of years. you think you're following it, suddenly its on highground following you.
It's over Brian McKinney! I have the high ground.
Luckily, he backed away instead of foolishly attempting to challenge her skill, he may have been dismembered and rolled down a hill
yep! the cat was waiting for the hiker to continue along the trail, and ambush from above!
TikiShootah yes took high ground to counter strike. They are lucky it didn’t attack. I bet if one person. Attack was 100% yes
You're underestimating my POW-WER
@@iceoriental123 more likely to be partially fed on then left in the crotch of a nearby tree
0:40
Mountain Lion: so.... why tf were you following me?!
Pretty smart cat. He knows how to camouflage himself with his natural surroundings.
When you see a mountain lion.. DON'T follow it, walk slowly backwards like they did, And never turn your back to it.
Triforce Master you mean DON'T follow it LIKE THEY DID...then you wouldn't need to walk backwards slowly if you follow the first rule.
You never turn your back when you see a big cat.
Triforce Master thats true, dont turn your back, but as the other guy said, don't be so stupid an curious to follow a wild cat. Use your brain, or loose your brain
Walk don't run backwards. Let her know you are not a threat.
@@ForeignBlasianLA No..YOU'RE stupid. He didn't say anything about turning your back. He said walk backwards, don't run backwards. Also, u spelled ambushing wrong.
The most chilling mountain lion video I've seen. Watching it walk away then sit up on the mountain staring at you looks like something out of a movie.
They like to hit prey from above, I read about how they will go up a hillside or mountainside to land on prey from the heights and incapacitate the windpipe of the victim. Typically breaking the neck 🤯
This could have easily been "found footage". Why the hell would you try to follow and sneak up on a mountain lion?
The moment when you realize humans weren't always on the top of the food chain.
On an even playing field, humans don't even come close to the top of the food chain.
Arthur Bertram we are on an even playing field, our intelligence just takes us to another level
Our brains and intelligence makes us be on top of the food chain 😎
WAKANDA FOREVER I WILL CHARGE A LION BE MIGHTY MAN ME STRONG
we never were lol we just isolated ourselves from nature in order to to not be hunted
Hes like boy what you doing in my area
Wow!! She looked like a statue perched up on the rock.
Not a situation anyone should find themselves in - very dangerous. Beautiful cat!!
A stunning animal.
What a Beautiful and Majestic creature.
This is so stunningly beautiful and terrifying at the same time . I'd shit my pants
You know, there is a mountain lion living in Griffith Park in LA. It hasn't eaten anyone yet and it's been there for a few years.
I think he migrated to d San Gabriel mountains..🤔
Good point
He can't migrate to San Gabriel 😑 thats as far as he can go hea stuck in Griffith...his name is p22 and is still there this very day he just came out in the news AGAIN a week ago lol
Such a good looking cat.You are lucky to have seen it.
That was hilarious how you guys were peeking around the corner, but that whole time she was up there watching you. Loll. But glad you guys are okay 👌🏾
Yyoo I thought the same thing
Super footage.. You got lucky with this Lion..!! Here Kitty Kitty Kitty... You can run into mountain
lions in Alum Rock Park and by Stevens Creek Reservoir on the edges of
Silicon Valley..!!!
Mountain lions generally aren't interested in attacking people. I wouldn't say he got lucky, as the lion's leaving him alone is the typical scenario. I've hiked all my life a few times a week, in mountain lion territory where there are regularly sightings. I'm more than certain I've been watched by mountains without my even knowing about it and I'm still alive. Mountain lions are most likely to attack when their food supply is short, when startled and cornered, and most likely to attack children or hikers whom to them, seem ill or crippled. The average person is astronomically unlikely to be attacked by one. We're much more likely to be bit by a rattlesnake, bit by a disease-carrying tick or stung by a yellow jacket. That said, if one does encounter a mountain lion, it's best to slowly retreat, make noise, make yourself appear bigger and never turn your back to it.
The cougar was like, Sir how may I help you?
😆🤣😂
That's an excited look on the cat's face. It isn't necessarily an aggressive look, it's the look you'd see in between a "meh" look, and an, "I'm going to eat you" look.
Excellent video. Seen many things on trails all over the country but that's the best Mt Lion video. You must have been stoked! Thanks for sharing. Awesome creature!
Always, ALWAYS - bring a laser pointer...
XD
hahahaha!
MaxMax Extreme that's so funny !!! Ha ha
...and a cucumber!
Always, ALWAYS carry a firearm, (my choice, 1911 .45) with a Laser pointer encase the cats doesnt go for the pointer..
I recognize the cat's expression. Curiosity. That's what my house cat looks like when I'm on the other side of the room doing something unusual or making a weird noise, and he's thinking, "Hey! Whatcha doin' over there?"
that's why I always carry an empty box or, christmas wrapping paper with me when I hike... anyone that knows cat behavior knows your house cat will jump into any box randomly placed on the floor or, attack wrapping paper
Livereater00 haha, that made me laugh so hard
Livereater00 Funny, that's why I carry a gun!!
Joe Nobody can't carry guns in National Parks. Illegal.
I wouldn't agree with shooting that cougar your gun statement is inaccurate, you can carry in National Parks.
Congress approved a new law allowing loaded firearms in national parks starting Feb. 22, 2010. That means people can openly carry legal handguns, rifles, shotguns and other firearms and also may carry concealed guns as allowed by state statute. www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/upload/Firearms-in-IMRparks2-2010.pdf
What? I have an annual pass I renew to Sequoia every year, and in every pamphlet the Park Rangers hand out, it states. “Firearms/explosives are strictly prohibited inside the park.” .Could they just be infringing on this statute?
Man it blended right in.
Very cool, we just crossed paths with one today. It was exhilarating, she must've been looking for water in this drought. She came up over a very large tree on the ground and I heard the two front paws hit the ground, she was so startled by us that me, the dog and her just stared at each other! Absolutely amazing animal! Our dog is 50 lbs and she looked like a lap dog compared to the cougar.
Thanks KSBW for posting this story on the news...Glad you guys made it safe..No don't run....Know before hand when hiking in trails!Seem as large as possible. ...Make noise. ...Act defiant, not afraid. ... Slowly create distance. ... Protect yourself.
Amazing encounter and thank you for sharing. Definitely memorable! That must have freaked you both out when you spotted it up on that outcrop!
This is an amazing video. Thanks for posting it.
This is insane! I camped out in that area just last weekend. Glad you guys are safe.
I would've broken out my laser pointer
And died
LOL
HERE PUSS PUSS PUSS!!!
LMAO This just made my day
TheGuitarded1 lmao!
Wow, a friend and I exited the HST at Crescent Meadow just the day before. No lion encounters thankfully - glad you guys are safe, way to stay collected!
He panned around and the mountain lion was like you think you slick following, i seen you
I've encountered one like this, it was screaming for its mate or something and I thought my little brother was playing a joke. Turns out he was still at the house, and I come within 5 yards of a behemoth. All I really remember is how huge and muscular the shoulders were, and how I had no chance if it attached. So I kept walking except I held up my arms and screamed in the same way she did, except in a more angry and defensive tone, if that makes any sense. After she was out of sight I ran faster then I've ever ran in my life, and it induced an asthma attack. Really unlucky day for me
This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing.
incredible to watch, could hardly breathe once you spot her up the rocks. glad you're safe👍
Great video! A beautiful creature!
This is one of my favorite videos, love you two guys talking and remaining so calm and cool, you both were awesome and I love the mountain lion too. So cool! Thank you.
Thanks!! .. she is such a beautiful animal, feel fortunate to have had the experience
A spectacular cat. Thank you for sharing.
You guys were super respectful to her, thank you :) if she was actually going to attack you, she wouldn't have been so out in the open. I think she was protecting her cubs. Great encounter I'll bet you never forget it!
I hope it dies so a dozen deer don't have to be eaten alive.
I think that if he had passed the mountain lion there is a good chance he would have been attacked. Mountain Lions defending their cubs are much more aggressive and more likely to back you down the trail than stalk.
Terrible encounter they should have never proceeded up the trail
"What are you supposed to do?"
"I don't know"
so relatable
Cool Brian, I read about this on myMotherLode.com, (local news) but wanted to see this full screen. My dogs and I surprised one (or vise versa I should say) up near Ironstone (vineyards) on our morning walk. The dogs didn't chase her, they obeyed but by the time I pulled out the phone she was long gone.
Nice job man, and thanks.
Surprised your dogs didn't give chase .. thanks for the comment, was an incredible experience.
ha, I think they knew not to for their own sake
Wow, that's crazy! I think me and my family were on that same trail years ago. I'll have to post the bear video from the meadow some day.
oh wow! I would be so scared but its amazing! Thanks for posting!
Now can we get a voice over of Seinfeld and George discussing how to approach and leave? That would be the funniest thing ever!!
the fact that the cat blended in with the background and looked like a freakin statue was the scariest part of all
lol the cat was like "THEY CAN'T SEE ME THEY CAN'T SEE ME THEY CAN'T SEE ME THEY CAN'T SEE ME THEY CAN'T SEE ME".
I have had a few mountain lion encounters, and noticed a few things.
1. They never just run away. They always want to see where you are. So if you see one, and then lose sight of it, it likely still has eyes on you, and closer than you think.
2. They instinctively seek higher ground, which is advantageous.
The most recent time, for me, was riding my dirt bike at night near Yosemite. I almost hit a HUGE cat on a tight trail. Came around a corner on the throttle, and it was turning around and jumping uphill and away from me. I missed his tail by mere inches. I hope because of all the noise of my dirt bike, and the bright lights that the big kitty was as scared of me as I was of it. Needless to say...I kept going and did not slow down at all. The experience has me re-thinking riding my dirt bike alone...at night...which is something I really enjoy.
Makes me happy to see this. Hope all human stay safe while being curious and respectful of animal territory.
That's very surprising that the mountain lion didn't run off when you made noise (plus appeared larger while remaining calm. Those are proper responses to a cougar encounter).
It seems like this is one of those rare cats which display aberrant behavior (i.e. not running when humans make noise, activity in daylight-they're primarily nocturnal animals)
But I'm glad it ended well for you guys!
I encountered a mountain lion in the Fall/2011 when going on a walk at midnight. He thankfully was a good distance away and the house three houses up from me had the garage door up. Had the cat charged, I'd have just gone into the garage, close the door, then call Dept. of Fish & Game. He just stared at me for about 10 seconds before proceeding back into the creek....now that was a typical encounter (run into at night, lion was apprehensive and retreated to end the encounter).
They are usually easy to scare off but the issue is remembering what to do in that heat of the moment
It's possible there may have been a cub nearby and she was judging if they were a threat.
Wings of Darkness most likely cubs around. I live in the mountains, leave them alone, don't be stupid and you'll most likely be fine.
What an amazing encounter to have and come out unscathed!
Had a pretty close encounter like that with a black bear in the High Sierras on trail as well. Makes you super nervous but at the same time you are trying to not make yourself look like prey, good call with the bear spray glad you didn’t need it. Big kitty clearly heard you coming and was curious about you as well
Thats why i always take present with me when i go there , so that if i see a mountain lion, i will give him the present and he will let me go !
Great footage
Amazing scenes... but you and your friend were both VERY lucky to have escaped that encounter without incident. Female mountain lions are extremely protective of their young, so if it's true that there were cubs in the vicinity, you should NEVER have proceeded up that trail once you saw the mother. I'm happy you both lived to tell the tale, but for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, PLEASE do not make this mistake. Having a smartphone in hand does NOT make you either a trained naturalist or a animal behaviorist. You are an outsider intruding on the cats domain, and that makes you both a potential threat and prey. This could have been a very different video with very different outcome...
Walk don't run backwards. Let her know you are not a threat@@andrewsimar6200
not showing fear is key.
coming from a former forest ranger you are 100% correct ! You should NEVER have proceeded up that trail right after seeing that mountain lion. super lucky. Very fortunate to walk away like you did. 🛑💯‼️
They rarely try to attack humans. If he was alone and walked past that rock there’s a 20/80 chance it jumps on him. They almost never attack a person if you’re facing them. Even getting injured by their prey can be a death sentence.
awwww big cat!
0:52....... it's always good to know the answer to that question before you decide to follow a cougar up a trail.
That cat was in position to pounce. Cocked and loaded, no doubt! They made the right decision to back away. Actually, following it was probably not the best idea...
verisimilidude1 Thank you! I would've been outta there! Hell, I wouldn't even have been there in the first place to be outta there!
"Cocked and loaded, no doubt! " -- No. Just curious. You apparently don't have cats.
Beautiful
"What are you supposed to do?"
Well, I can tell you you AREN'T supposed to purposely follow and creep up on a freaking mountain lion! This is like picking up a rattlesnake and wondering why it bite you or purposely jumping out and scaring a bear. Come on, guys.
She looks young to me. Maybe a juvenile. What a beautiful experience
Yes, the 'shoulder bars' (black fur at front shoulder creases indicates juvenile).
Sub adult a little older than a teenager
@@taylorhill8001 possibly the first time she saw humans.
1:32 WHOA CUBS IN THE AREA!!!
It's over, hikers! I have the high ground!
You underestimate our running speed.
Don't try it.
Hahaha
It ran away at first(not that scared. It was just willing to give you room). Then, it sensed you were maybe after it; it stopped to stand his/her ground. I saw nothing aggressive in his/her eyes.
oker59 this could be the only sensible comment I've read on this video. Humans are dumb.
oker59 it's giving the look my cat does when she's curious...all cats are cats, after all, and curiosity is what they are known for
Um, no one said they did
Funny, National Geographic just wrote an article about this and said it had run up the trail as an ambush predator would. Most humans attacked by mountain lions are first hit from behind, from above, to the back of the neck.
oker59--Look up the word "anthropomorphism. Then reevaluate your comment.
Impressive animal. Also impressive are the number of dead/dying trees. The Pine Bark Beetle continues its massive decimation.
Lucky you're alive, but dont make that mistake again. Once you saw her you should immediately turned back to where you came from. Notice that when she noticed you guys she was waiting for you on top of that rock. Please dont make that mistake again and try to confront them that close!
They mostly come out at night mostly.....
strangehighways3 Game over! Game over!!
I literally went on the high Sierra trek with my Boy Scout troop half a day after this happened, I remember that trail. XD
We remember passing a troop on our way back from Whitney .. wonder if it was your group.
We were wearing dark green shirts with yellow lettering.
Congratulations most don't live to tell a tale thanks for sharing I think this is the most I'll get to one.
The biggest wildlife zone in California. Greets from SD
Wookie Hugs SD yeaaaa
I guess I can't complain too much, he at least turned the phone into landscape view when shooting. However, probably should have not digitally zoomed even if it made the cat look closer. "What are we supposed to do, back up?" Hah!
You are very, very....very lucky
Wondering what cusses you cut out of the audio, hehehe. Thanks for sharing this video. And you were correct not to run.
ah .. you noticed :)
That lion definitely looked like it had intentions
WOW, what a rare experience and also scary! So glad you were able to capture on film and thanks for sharing! BTW what time of the day did you see the cat at?
about an hour before sunset ..
Best footage I've seen. Was expecting him down the trail or behind that rock.
A dog in this situation would be a great asset, provided he doesn't run after it and get himself killed.
I wonder if the result would have been different if he'd been hiking alone.
Probably not, but he might have panicked and ran, and gotten himself killed.
The cat was like What's good g
Here kitty BIG kitty...WOW!!!
I'm surprised they weren't sure if the should run or not. NEVER turn your back on a wild animal. If they had missed it and just walked by, can't say for sure if the cat wouldn't have attacked them from the back. A beautiful, well fed animal though. For the 2 guys, well-fed is a good thing!
Whatvare you doing? Nuts!
Interesting! It did not seem afraid and was more curious about you guys. Strange. Doesn't seem like a place it'd see a lot of humans and be use to them. That's mountain lions for you though.
Wow--while you got an incredible experience and video, you are very, very lucky. You challenged that lion to a fight by pursuing it down the trail like that. Had you not spotted it up there (and just continued down the trail in pursuit), you likely wouldn't be here, as it would've ambushed you from above. You were smart to remain calm and back off, but you were unbelievably foolish to follow the cat in the first place. The wildlife are not there for your pleasure; they exist for their own sake. Be respectful next time.
agree .. was lucky. To be honest i was shocked when the mountain lion was still on the trail in front of us (perhaps naively). We had been hiking all day and our camp was on the other side of the cat. I assumed she would be long gone after spotting us. But agree .. will assume the cat is still in the area next time and just turn around and look for a different place to camp.
Brian McKinney you were shocked that a cat saw you, ran ahead to make you think it was fleeing, then when it knew you couldn't see it, it doubled back onto higher ground, all in a beautifully crafted scheme to pounce on your back and kill you when you walked by?? Even my house cat when he sees me walking to my bedroom runs ahead and quick darts behind the door so he can pounce on me when I walk in. Cats are brilliant hunters. That cat WANTED you to think it ran off, then doubled back and was waiting for you on higher ground.
You were lucky bro. I got attacked by a regular size cat (not mine of course) and had to spend many days in the hospital, almost had to have my arm amputated, and then spent THREE YEARS in bandages waiting for skin to grow back... all from a standard size house cat. You have no concept of how fast an attacking cat is. You have no time to respond. And you can't hit it back bc they're so fast and their teeth and claws are ripping apart your flesh so fast you can't see clearly. With dogs you have time, they aren't as flexible or fast. Against a mountain lion you haven't a chance. Don't do that again.
Daisy Drifter Ya know... you're chastising him for something that he already acknowledged 2 years ago and said he wouldn't do again. 🙄
Really cool experience and footage although probably very scary for these guys
Wow!
The lion was obviously aware of the people and fleed to higher ground. I think in this particular situation the lion was more afraid of the people at first. When they followed it they soon understood what they were dealing with
Should link the bear and rattlesnake video as well .What are the odds in 2 days to get all 3 up close? Hec of a hike ! Lucky the bear was busy with bugs!
Was an incredible hike! We joked before the trip that it would be amazing to see all 3 .. rattlesnake, bear, mountain lion .. thinking are odds were pretty low to just see 1!
Definitely a great story to tell ! Thanks for sharing
Last i needed to see before hitting the HST soon!
Enjoy!!
She didnt seem like she was ready to attack. Just cautious about you.
Probably the first humans this subadult female had ever seen.
@@tannerfaust433 probably so.
“What are you supposed to do?”
Well, not following it out of curiosity is a good fucking start.”
What a scene😯
SO nice to see humans act reasonably and rationally and not make things worse for wildlife. Way to go, Guys!
Was that in national sequoia park or high Sierra trail I saw couple videos were telling me different location so I’m not sure where this was happening
Th cougar took high ground in an attack position, you are very lucky
@Jeffrey Pillow...🤣🤣🤣he said.."I would had Puma (poo ma) pants..😂😂😂
You should know that the best thing to do when you see a cougar is to shriek like a girl and run slowly in the opposite direction, leaving your arms dangle like a tasty treat.
Sean Ó Briain You forgot to mention that you are supposed to stumble every twenty feet or so.
and spill bbq sauce all over yourself
Mountain lion: I have the high ground!!!
How'd you end up continuing? Wait for him/her to move? I'm soloing the HST later this year.
After this video we retreated quite a bit, but still within sight of the trail. After a bit she (?) proceeded down from the rock and back to the trail and just laid down, keeping her stare right on us. Our camp was on the other side of her and it was getting dark so we did try to scare it for ~20 minutes, making loud noises .. throwing sticks/small rocks .. being careful not to hit her but wanting to scare her enough to move off the trail. She just kept looking at us and didn't budge. We then gave up and turned around .. but as we kept walking she stood up and started walking off too (in the opposite direction) .. so, we waited a while and opted to try again thinking she had moved on. We rounded the same corner in the video and sure enough she was sitting up on the same rock looking down on us .. so, we just gave up and looked for another camp in the opposite direction. We went back through the next day without incident. You'll love the HST .. the park ranger told us this was very unusual (he had been with the park for 10 years and had never seen one himself .. and reports in the area are rare). Enjoy the hike!
That would have made me puma pants
These dudes are calm as a mother fucker. I'd be crying while preparing to die 😂😂
Throwing something seems like a good tactic. Many animals are freaked out by projectiles thrown at them.