cougar tracks

[greyhair]

I was fishing and camping in Southern Illinois, Pyramid State Recreation Area, Perry County, last weekend and I found some tracks in mud that I am 95% sure were mountain lion. It did not occur to me to take a picture with my phone. When I got home I looked up the track and it sure was right on the money. There have been increasing confirmed sightings and at least one road kill in the area, and Missouri has a population. Also they are being seen in the Shawnee National Forest.

Also saw a cottonmouth swimming near the boat. First time for that for me. You sure can't mistake them for a common water snake, it was wicked looking. Stopped and lifted his head and looked at us, then just moseyed on, totally fearless.

[firstwd]

Most cougar tracks found in Indiana turn out to be bobcat tracks. A lot of people don't realize how big a bobcat gets or how much they weigh. Them big paws leave wicked prints in soft soil.

[josephwrealty]

Adukt cougar tracks are almost twice the size of bobcat tracks. But I guess how it can happen if someone doesn't know how to tell the difference

[greyhair]

I wish I had thought to take a picture and measured them - I know cougars are moving into the area, but still not common. Tons of bobcat though too. I guess I would say they were the size of the Palm of a very large hand. Feline though - no claw marks, middle toes the same length, slight indent on the front of the main pad. Oh well I will be back there in the spring, I will ask around.