Must be credence to cougar claims

[Jeff Boettcher]

Catfish,
I think I saw the story in the Spooner on-line news. The man was a logger who claimed to have been stalked by a wolf pack while he was timber cruising. From what I remember reading, he thought he was "wolf bait" as the pack got very close to him, but he was able to safely get back to his vehicle.

<small>[ February 10, 2005, 10:48 PM: Message edited by: Jeff Boettcher ]</small>

[Catfish]

Yes, THAT man had called in to the DNR reporting his being stalked by the wolves after hearing the news broadcast about the first unfortunate. The second man claimed to be in the same area. Thanks for responding, cause I'm not nuts, a little silly now and then, but not crazy. I used to be crazy back in the late 60's but I'm not anymore. Who knows what crazy is anyhow. I've heard that EVERYBODY, is somebody elses weirdo. For example, the staights think the hippies are weird and the hippies think the straights are weird. We might as well face it....every single one of us is a weirdo to someone. Being we all know this,.... that is why every one is so kind to each other on this board.

[Jeff Boettcher]

Tilt!!?

[Catfish]

Yes

[disndat]

Hi, first post to this forum. I am interested in the cougar subject and that is why I joined. I saw a cougar in 2001. It was chasing something in the high grass that I could not see, but I watched the cat for the length of about 5 acres. The huge size and huge shoulders were awesome. The tail was long and I estimate the cat to weigh at least 100 pounds.

I have been collecting sightings around the Merrill area for over 10 years. dd

[logic1]

as far as the baby cougar being hit.....why was this NEVER public? (if it is true) & if you knopw who hhit it???? sounds VERY fishy to me. That would have proved without a doubt of existance .....how convenient to not report it.

[disndat]

My son's friend saw a cougar crossing Hwy 107 in town of Rock Falls... between Merrill and Tomahawk. The nose to the end of the tail he said was about 6'. It was tan in color. This was a few days ago, with this being Sept 11th. My son is now afraid for his child, who could be playing outside in the area. dd

[abnerman]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the rules/laws are about people actually shooting a cougar?

I ask because I fear that if the facts aren't clarified, we may actually have some people HOPING to drag a cougar's body in to the authorities the first chance they get.

[Brian]

Cougars are an unprotected species in Wisconsin so, in reality, they can be shot on sight with no penalty. I've yet to hear of any actual physical evidence to back up these claims of the existence of cougars here but a warm carcass would probably do it. Until that happens I'll take these claims with a grain of salt.

[pac-man]

Boy some peoples imaginations really run wild. Like the person that didnt want to report one because he was drinking?? I am sure he hit a pink elephant also that night but did not want to report that either....

[sagan]

There is always the possiblity either of one managing to stray this far from more suitable habitat or one someone released. This debate often reminds me of the UFO debate. Some people see them all the time and even claim to have pictures. But when it comes time to ante up the evidence all they have are stories.

[Old Scout]

Brian, you can get out the salt shaker if you want, but I know what I saw, I know what I heard, and I saw some real clear tracks that weren't the neighbors puddy tat.

[abnerman]

Originally posted by pac-man:
Boy some peoples imaginations really run wild. Like the person that didnt want to report one because he was drinking?? I am sure he hit a pink elephant also that night but did not want to report that either....

I can't blame him for not wanting to report it given the nature of the local law-enforcement..

[disndat]

I think this is interesting.
Panel requests report on state cougar sightings

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hear a report on the sighting of cougars at its monthly meeting in October. It is the first time the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has officially requested information on the endangered species.

"I'm becoming intrigued with these stories," said Commissioner Darnell Earley at the September NRC meeting after hearing from citizens who said they have seen Michigan cougars or had their livestock attacked by the large cats.

The Wildlife Police Committee will give a report on cougar sightings at its Oct. 5 NRC meeting. In August and September, the NRC and DNR were offered proof of the cougars' existence in Michigan. Citizens and conservation groups presented evidence of more than 1,200 sightings, including almost 100 sightings that involved evidence of a breeding population; confirmed DNA, scat, hair and bone samples; photos; videos, and livestock kills.

Citizens and wildlife groups have been putting pressure on the commission to investigate the cougar and develop a management plan based on its endangered status. The Michigan Citizens for Cougar Recognition is encouraging all citizens with information or evidence to attend and summarize their cougar observations at the meeting's public session.

Founder Denise Massey says that people unable to attend can forward their sighting reports to her through the Web site www.michigancougar.com.