Cougar, hill lion, puma, panther, catamount, Puma concolor: a lot of generations of islanders need talked these brands with an assortment of affection, curiosity, and worry.

Standard Cougar Records:

In 1891, the steamer Lola fell Oliver Van Olinda at Langill’s getting on Colvos Passage for the first time and from that point he went up to heart. Afterwards he ecuador dating tape-recorded his effect:

“I came from the best prairies of Nebraska and, as I moved around middle from inside the collecting dusk of a mid-August night, large fir trees imposing 300 legs above myself on each side in the path in an around impenetrable wall structure and flanked by big financial institutions of ferns, the beauty of the scene is overshadowed by the thought that these types of planet simply must harbor hoards of bears and catamounts [19th Century term for cougar]. “

In Isle with the ocean Breezers Roland Carey produces, “Since the area was populated, a famous cougar has become viewed, read, monitored, and thought, as much since the well known sasquatch has been glimpsed in other parts.”

More recently, islanders of this 2016 generation were equally perplexed, amused, and cautious quite recent cougar visitor. We now have build the next page to provide a lot more island specific information for residents. Cougars are part of our very own diverse wildlife and watching you ought to feel a rewarding and interesting enjoy. Develop that home elevators these pages allows us to all discover more about these occasional island people.

Thanks a lot to Peter Ray and VOV for video-taping this chat for all of us.

1915–Cougar slain at combination getting by Dan Lander. The following August an extermination campaign try set you back overcome cougars from Vashon, no one knows how winning it was.

1919–Harbor Heights cougar sighting, reported in 1920 Island Development Record.

1920–Harbor levels cougar apparently kills some birds. Reported in Isle Information Record.

1924–Stephen Lander shoots cougar 3/4 miles from the Dan Lander’s shooting in 1915. Reported in Isle Information Record.

2011– 2-3 reports of cougar sightings in Ellisport Canyon region reported to T Martino of Wolftown.

2015–1 sighting of a cougar near Reddings beach/Cross getting reported to Vashon character Center. Motion sensors cameras set up but little found after very first sighting.

2016–Several sightings, a few of that are confirmed with monitors or pet pictures, through the entire area.

Maury cougar snap in Sep of 2016 near Manzanita Beach by islander Jesse Bell.

Based on time of the year most cougar sightings occur on Vashon (late spring-summer) we feel that most cougars are traveling guys dispersing off their natal regions and diving across to your coasts. They normally use all of our countries for several period to several several months, as a stepping rock to larger territory. Based on a 1995 data post from University of California Berkeley, “dispersing men occupy some lightweight temporary residence ranges, usually near urban-wildlife interfaces.” The island is probable one of these simple connects for Washington condition cougars.

FAQs

Mountain lions is worthwhile creatures. Elusive, hushed, and powerful, they usually have progressed for more than 35 million decades become perhaps one of the most effective predators in the world. Simply studying their physiology, physiology, and conduct engenders appreciate of these breathtaking untamed mammals. Below we promote some solutions to frequently asked questions that individuals range on a regular basis at Vashon character heart.

Just how can mountain lions arrive here?

They swimming! Cougars are great swimmers and also caused it to be towards area often in past times. More isles throughout the Salish ocean also encounter typical cougar check outs, through the reduced Island party off the western shore of Vancouver area to BC’s considerably sheltered Gulf Islands. Bainbridge and Whidbey Islands also provide data of cougar sightings.

When will the essential current mountain lion leave?

We now have no clue! Normally mountain lions never stay our very own area many months. However, as decades embark on, the deer inhabitants has grown when you look at the lack of top predators, which can be an aspect that allows a cougar to remain right here much longer. Only times will inform.

Isn’t Vashon-Maury too little for a cougar?

Common assortment sizes for male cougars include 50-100 square kilometers. Female range is a little significantly less large. Vashon was 37 square kilometers. We don’t learn which issue tend to be strongest in deciding number dimensions. If meals thickness try a strong aspect, a cougar may stretch their stay in a tiny area. But insufficient mates will more than likely motivate action eventually.

Tend to be mountain lions harmful?

If you are a deer sure. In case you are an individual less therefore, especially if you prepare yourself and your families in simple tips to reply if you experience a cougar (see further concern). A healthy value for cougars is very important but we don’t should be excessively fearful. Hill lions can be found atlanta divorce attorneys rural-urban screen in Washington and there have merely come one deadly combat on humans in Washington therefore occurred in 1924. The audience is more likely in order to get damage by deer here on the area while they cross roadways into automobile routes. Most people in cougar nation begin businesses as always (envision Bellingham, Issaquah, North flex and Cougar hill trails) nonetheless some suggestions from WDFW and areas Canada for extra safety if you want they are: carry a walking adhere, keep spraying, or a noise maker. See much more tips below.

Exactly what do I do easily experience a cougar?