 |
A main topic seems to be about getting
proof that the Cougar does indeed exist in the state of New York.
I am told over and over that people make reports to DEC about
a cougar sighting. The DEC then tells the people involved to
get some proof before the DEC will investigate.
Most people do not know what to look for. We would like to collect
photos, tracks, scat or a kill site from you to help
make a stronger case to the DEC.
I invite all of you to read and spend some time on the
Forum pages. This area is full of information and
pictures for you to look at. I talk about photos and the use of
field cameras, along with having your pocket cameras ready.
The average sighting of a cougar lasts from 10 to 20 seconds,
therefore you need to be ready to take a picture.
A kill site is a dead animal found in the woods. The appearance
of the dead animal and how you find it can help determine what
predator killed it.
A cougar kills its prey, usually deer, and then feeds on it.
The cougar buries the remains of the kill by covering with
soil, vegetation, twigs, stones, or snow. The cougar returns
and continues to feed upon the kill for a few weeks. Finding
a cougar kill can be dangerous since the cougar may be
near by. Scavenger birds flying in the area can be a clue that
a cougar kill is nearby.
These
pictures of the body of a deer represent a
confirmed cougar kill in New York State, Keene Valley by Edward R. Reed,
Wildlife Biologist. The
Forums page under the title,
"Other Stories" has the link to the report. I will look
for your comments there.
|
