Cougar!

Mountain Lion, Puma, Wild Cat... (Felis concolor)
No matter what name you use, they are definitely impressive animals. This is a work shot. Those of you who know me well, know I seldom post work shots, but I just wanted to share this one.

This is Shoshone. She works with a group called Wildcat Education and Conservation Fund. Her job is to work with her handler to help educate people about the animals that they may encounter in the wild. Our human interface is overlapping with the wild land interface and these animals are having a hard time surviving as normal. Also, an unexpected encounter with someone like Shoshone in the wild, may not be the most desirable encounter one would want to have. This organization helps raise funds for habitat conservation as well as educate the pubic about the various wildcat species on the Planet. This one is local to where we live and as a result, many folks who attended this program were intently watching and learning about what to do in case of a rare encounter.

Shoshone was born and raised in captivity. Although her handler is in no danger of an attack, she is still a wild animal and is carefully demonstrated with small to medium groups of people. It is certainly a thrill to watch her through the viewfinder. She spent a lot of time watching me, which makes for a great image, but left me in total respect for her curiosity.

Enjoy!

Square September