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Pat
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Close encounter of the BC variety
09/09/05 10:43 AM
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A couple days ago returning to the new house to get back to work after lunch a few feet from our inner gate (less than a hundred yds from house) a beautiful adult bobcat ran across the driveway directly in the path of our car. We were only 15-20 feet away at the closest approach. This is my second daytime sighting in two years. The first was a juvenile about 200 ft from my mom's back door.
Neioghbors have seen bobcat crossing the road onto or off of my property a few times shortly before sunrise. Once it was mama cat and three kittens. I sure wish their favorite food was armadilo.
 Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
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GAFarmer
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Loc: Coolidge, Ga
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Pat]
09/09/05 05:57 PM
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Sorry to wildlife lovers, but do SHOTGUN mean anything to you??? I see cattle and horses being destroyed and lot of $$$ going out of peoples pockets.
"I hate lucky people, unless I happen to be the lucky person."- Cody Rehberg
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RichZ
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: GAFarmer]
09/09/05 09:45 PM
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GAFarmer, I think you may be confusing bobcats with cougers. Bobcats are small, not nearly big enough to go after horses or cattle. They might go after chickens, but that's about it. In fact, a large part of their diet is rodents, so they're pretty beneficial.
Rich
"What a long strange trip it's been."
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Pat
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: RichZ]
09/11/05 07:48 AM
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Rich, Ever see any of those itsy bitsy little micro miniature horses? Some are about the size of a medium small dog, actually lap sized if you were so inclined. Now if an adult bobcat were deprived of other food...
GAFarmer: There are cats indigenous to N. America called variously, lion, mountain lion, cougar, panther, puma, and various local names for the same. Within fairly narrow limits they are the same species cat. There is some color variation, especially in "swamp" panthers and some others in a minor way. These cats take deer and can get a birthing cow or an unprotected calf. They rarely endanger a fit horse but it is not impossible or unheard of.
Bobcats are about like a really buff housecat on steroids. I wouldn't want to be locked in a phone booth with one but they are little or no danger to healthy deer, horses, cows, or people. They can give a dog a pretty good fight and that is one of the ways people get tangled up with them, through their dog.
Yes, I have heard of SHOTGUN, have several and know what to do with them. The particular sighting I reported lasted all of about 2-3 seconds. Not a lot of time to stop the car, jump out, and shoot a gun even if it were being carried loaded in an Easy Rider Rifle Rack (not too likely in a Toyota Prius hybrid) and I were inclined to kill such a beautiful and beneficial creature.
I reserve my gun crazy blood lust for the likes of the armadilo.
Do GOOGLE mean anthing to you??? It is a great way to fill in any gaps in your understanding. A great trait in a writer is to use words with precision and know his facts before writing on a topic.
Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
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GAFarmer
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Pat]
09/11/05 08:24 AM
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I am sorry for the confusion, I didn't mean that they would actually kill the horses, instead they normally scare them which may cause them to run into the fence and get seriously hurt. And yes, I have done my research on bobcats, it is called PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. And I don't care how pretty they look, I don't like them and never will.
"I hate lucky people, unless I happen to be the lucky person."- Cody Rehberg
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robertn
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: GAFarmer]
09/11/05 10:45 AM
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I'm sorry, but you make it sound like if you'd blow any wild predators in to extinction. They are a threat to your livestock, blammo!
I like to hunt, fish, hike, and be outdoors. I like horses(have had a couple), eat beef ect. It's not like I'm sympathetic to PETA. But, I do not think we should just blast any critter that gets in our way.
I am not a farmer or rancher, and have not lost any livestock to predators. I do know about working on a thin margin, where small issues could make the difference between my business making/breaking.
I just don't under the part where we move out in to nature, and destroy anything that gets in our way. That is what shooting all the bobcats sounds like through this silly computer screen at least...
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GAFarmer
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: robertn]
09/11/05 11:07 AM
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Sorry if I made it sound that way, sorry. I have just heard of too many incidents where predator scares livestock and livestock gets hurt/killed and possibly injures another animal/person. And no, I don't believe in blowing everything's head off.
"I hate lucky people, unless I happen to be the lucky person."- Cody Rehberg
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RichZ
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: GAFarmer]
09/11/05 08:39 PM
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GA Farmer, I am a farmer, raising dairy goats, heritage breed pig and free range chickens. I also have horses for pleasure, we ride, and they're pets to us. My horses, and most of my friends horses don't panic when seeing a small predator like a fox, though to my knowledge, they haven't seen a bobcat. I have seen my horses react to a fox, and the fox is very lucky to be alive. The fox was chasing one of my free range chickens in my horse's pasture. The horses spotted the fox long before I did, and when the fox was past our electric fence, our three horses took off after him. They ran right at the fox, and attempted to trample him. The fox escaped, and so did our chicken. Our horses were heros that day, and we celebrated with them with lots of horse treats. Several of our friends told us that they've seen their horses exhibit this behavior with foxes and even coyotes. Horses are pretty intelligent, and I think they know when they have the upper hand.
So, I don't think you have much to worry about with a bobcat. They are beautiful, and they're very beneficial. You may not like them, but that's no reason to kill them.
Rich
"What a long strange trip it's been."
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kerr
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Pat]
09/11/05 09:37 PM
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Hey Pat next time you get a hankerin to look around Come on down to MADIL go north to old ft.WASHITA{sp} Before you cross the river bridge at the fort go north on one of the oil field roads{ ROUGH} Not to worry If you go to the blacktop you are at the rear of TISHAMINGO W.M.A. Anyway, Easin around there on day about 15yrs ago with my son blowing on a grunt call like it was a bugle out the window a BIG bobcat followed a armadilo across the road in front of us pawing at the dilos feet with every step! neither ever knew we were there or didn't care. Maybe 15 yards in front of us . This fella was med grey, looked dirty, maybe black spots and the biggest bobcat I have ever layed eyes on.he was at least 40 lbs.! Tall and healthy and having fun fer sure altho Im sure the dilo was sweatin just a little !  There is plenty of long tail cats in that bottom too. The wife and me were going to shoot at an area { same bottom} there were folks modify old stoves and such easing ta go shoot we both look out the pass window at a big ol solid black panther sitting uprite on his butt both front feet in front of him not a foot off the road just kinda lookin at us like we was lookin at him as we kept going [ window down] . He just turned his head and watched us go by!  Im thinkin somewhere there are cats that can do what they want to do.  Darn pretty to look at but not to be considered as not dangerous to man or beast. Come on down and look around
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NSbound
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: RichZ]
09/12/05 04:00 PM
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" Horses are pretty intelligent"
I don't know, Rich - I've heard horses called "The Blondes of the Animal World"!
Ian M.
Transferred to Nova Scotia, making plans to retire as soon as the economy lets me!
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Pat
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: kerr]
09/13/05 07:47 AM
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Kerr, Thanks for the invite. I have been right by/through that general area (Tishamingo and the WMA) but didn't spend much time roaming the countryside. Sounds like maybe we should take a little longer and go a little slower the next time we get to be in that area.
I used to not worry about the pumas. A buddy and I scufed our feet as we hiked a trail in Baja California del Norte, Mexico highlands to erase large cat tracks so as not to upset my wife (third in line on this hike) That evening as we set up camp my bud and I were out foraging for downed wood and my wife was setting up the domestic situation for preparing the evening meal.
She glanced at a rock outcropping about 75 feet away and saw our fawn colored Great Dane surveying his temporary domain in the early twilight. Thinking there might be just enough light for a snapshot she stepped back to get her camera and tripped over Thor (the Dane). When she looked back at the rock the Puma was gone.
At one of our all time favorite camping/hiking locations in the mountains east of San Diego, California one of the fellas from the lab where we worked had a close encounter with a puma. He was mountain biking and had to dismount and hold the bike between him and the cat. After 15-20 min of this "chess game" of cat and mouse the cat seemed to lose interest and back down so the guy started to exit the area pushing his bikke along thinking he would mount up after he got off a ways but his retreat exicted the predator instincts and the cat renewed its interest. This scenario was played out repetitively for a few hours untill finally the guy got away completely unharmed just seriously rattled.
A lady jogger in this exact same area was not so lucky and was killed and eaten. The offending cat was shot by specially authorized personel and human remains were recovered from its gut. This made the national news. We stopped hiking there since in the great state of KALIFORNIA you can't carry a gun for self defense.
There have been a number of ongoiing big cat sightings real near us (within a 3 mile radius) with one couple swearing they saw an African lion after a cow. I suppose it is possible with all the illegal exotic pets that outgrow their "cute" stage and get dumped.
Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
Edited by Pat (09/13/05 08:12 AM)
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Pat]
12/15/05 06:43 AM
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I have several hundred acres in North Texas. We are loaded with bobcats, coyotes, foxes, skunks, and neighbors dogs.
In 20 years I have never seen bobcats or coyotes as a problem. I'm sure they would take a fawn if possible but that's just nature. They are pretty well nocturnal. I don't mess with them and enjoy seeing them.
Neighbors roaming dogs are another matter. I've seen them chase my horses and calves and my neighbors. Dogs have just about ruined deer hunting. They are handled on an as needed basis. A couple of neighboring ranchers shoot dogs on sight. I know the dogs are only doing what comes naturally but you can't shoot the rude owners. They have been asked many times to keep up their pets. None of these people have much acreage, any livestock or are hunters. Most of my neighbors keep their dogs penned.
BTW, it is illegal to protect your property in my neck of the woods. Dog problems are supposed to be reported to the Sheriffs Dep't. Of course, by the time the Deputy arrives, the dog has left. However, if a dog owner makes a complaint over a missing dog, it is investigated and the offending shooter is ticketed. Most of the guys I know take care of the problem and keep their mouth shut.
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Pat
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Davidson1130]
12/15/05 10:34 AM
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The best policy is a variant of the don't ask don't tell. NEVER get in a tiff with anyone about their dog. If anyone shoots the dog or it just gets sick they will swear it was you. I have a liberal stray dog policy that varies depending on what they are doing and if they overstay there welcome which is immediate if they take an interest in stock.
Around here it is shoot and bury or dump and go on. We are definitely rural but 25 miles in 3 directions to decent cities and so we end up as a dump ground for unwanted animals, even emus and such. A reputable friend saw an African Lion. No mane but a tassle on its tail and they are fully aware of what they look like and these folks don't drink.
For many, any lose dog is shot on sight. My policy is more lax but may be subject to change depending on the severity of the proplem. We have coyote and bobcat a plenty and saw our first Oklahoma puma in the back yard as mentioned in "THAT THREAD." I have never shot at any of "MY" coyotes and have never documented a problem. Like you said, dogs are the worst, especially when they pack up.
There are about 400 breeds of domestic dogs with some breeds having a history of quite a few generations. They are all just selectively bred Southeast Asian grey wolves. To expect them to act otherwise in groups is to confuse Disneyland with reality.
Before anyone thinks any of us to be blood thirsty... Think again. I don't gooff my property hunting dogs. Dogs in jeopardy come to me AND get into mischief before they are candidates for removal.
Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
Edited by Pat (12/15/05 10:36 AM)
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Bird
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Pat]
12/15/05 05:15 PM
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In reply to:
dogs are the worst
They were really bad out around Healdton, OK, in the early 50s. They killed a horse of mine, a horse across the road from our place, a hog about a mile from our house, and attacked our milk cow right by the barn once; likely would have killed her if Dad hadn't been there and ran out and chased them off.
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Bird]
12/16/05 05:54 AM
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I need to change my above post. We USED to have coyotes, bocats, etc. The roaming dogs have made all wildlife sightings unusual. Not really rare but unusual and even armadillos now make us stop and watch.
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Pat
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Bird]
12/16/05 10:56 AM
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Bird, KUDOS to your dad, he is lucky they didn't go for him if he was empty handed. I have this thing about dogs... One dog no matter his size or training will receive as good or better than he gives me. Two dogs and I would rather be somewhere else if empty handed. Three or more dogs up close and if not armed with a semi-auto I'd still rather be somewhre else. I think the danger grows tremendously fast as their numbers increase, especially if they have something down and a taste of blood.
Oh and the only time I was in Healton was for my dad's company picnic. Quite a blowout.
Pat
"I'm not from your planet, monkey boy!"
Edited by Pat (12/16/05 10:58 AM)
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Bird
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Re: Close encounter of the BC variety
[re: Pat]
12/16/05 12:46 PM
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Pat, there were just two dogs that attacked our cow; a black and tan hound and a reddish/brown cross breed of some kind. They shredded her ear a bit. I was in school at the time, but they said Dad was running toward the barn and yelling for Mother to bring his gun. But by the time she got out there with the gun the dogs had taken off through the woods. And I'm sure I'll never forget the day they killed the horse across the road. We lived at the top of a hill and one rainy Sunday morning, we were getting ready to go to church and heard the dogs and horse, but had no idea what was going on. When we started to church, at the bottom of the hill, across the road, those same two dogs had the horse down and had torn one ear out of its head, but they took off as soon as we stopped. Dad called the sheriff and a deputy came out, but could not locate the owner. He didn't live on the property and no one knew who owned the place or the horse. So he said he couldn't shoot the horse to put it out of its misery without the owner's permission. That horse laid there in the mud for 3 days before it died. Just made me sick to leave an animal like that.
After church that day, I went hunting for those dogs, finally gave up, came back to the house, and just as I got to the house, I spotted them in the woods across the road, but they got away before I could even get a shot off.
I didn't actually see them kill my horse, but just found her dead one day at the back of the pasture and the ground was torn up in a circle around her just like it was with the horse across the road.
But another time, I was in the house when I saw those two dogs going down the road. By the time I could get a gun and get out there, they were a long ways off, but I did hit the red one with one shot from my .22. She yelped, spun around a time or two, and they took off through the woods. I followed a blood trail a ways, but then lost it, and never saw her again. So I don't know whether she lived or died.
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