Watch: Florida Woman Has Close Call with Cougar on Bridge

by
posted on April 1, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
woman_cougar_camera.jpg

Photo Courtesy Facebook Video

Hunters—outdoorsmen and women in general, really—occasionally have run ins with some of this planet's more dangerous creatures. Bears, wolves, big cats—anything's possible when you venture into the wilderness. That said, close calls with mountain lions aren't particularly common for anyone, given the big cat's tendency to avoid detection at all costs. Still, human/cougar interactions can and do occur, as one Florida woman learned in what assuredly was a scary moment. In a video posted to the Facebook page of one Tina Dorschel, a woman is walking along a wooden bridge/path in what the details say is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Fla. when she's accosted by one of the very large, very scary kitties.

A few seconds into the video, the camera operator pauses and starts whispering "Oh my God, oh my God." The viewer doesn't have to wait long to see what has her so agitated—a mountain lion (or panther, as Florida folks tend to prefer—they did name a hockey team after them, after all) comes barreling down the path toward her. The big cat seemed just as surprised and scared as whoever was behind the camera—it quickened its pace, nearly slamming into the rail of the bridge in doing so, and got out of there in an awful hurry. No one was harmed, though I'd wager the owner of the camera/phone was probably a little shaken up.

Check out the video for yourself and get a closer look—it's embedded below. Warning: There's some minor profanity involved as the cat approaches—not that I can blame anyone for that.

Latest

Olsen Shooting KR.22 Fdeblack
Olsen Shooting KR.22 Fdeblack

#SundayGunday: TriStar Arms KR.22

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re shooting a neat looking two-tone variant of the TriStar Arms KR.22. While this one is finished in OD Green and black, you can find this exact same gun in FDE and black, or opt for the standard version in just black synthetic. Learn more about this nifty blow-back operated semi-automatic rimfire, in this exclusive video.

Nevada’s Innovative Youth Outreach Program

A relatively new effort in The Silver State is quietly making a big difference for children eager to experience the outdoors for the first time. Demand outpaces the project’s funding, unfortunately, a clear indication that one of the biggest hurdles in enlisting the next generation of conservationists is financial.

Member's Hunt: An Epic Adventure to Africa

This month's Member's Hunt comes to us from Rob Beckman, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Follow along as he three friends take on a hunt on the Mother Continent.

TrueTimber Shadowbark Hits the Turkey Woods

TrueTimber has announced its Shadowbark camo pattern is now available on turkey hunting apparel, gear and accessories at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's and Mack's Prairie Wings. This includes gear from Banded.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher BT Strap Vest

When designing their latest turkey vest, the folks over at Blocker Outdoors asked themselves, "Why complicate simplicity when a perfect blend of modern fabric tech and a lightweight, minimalist design is exactly what so many hunters want?" The result is the Finisher BT (Boss Tom) Strap Vest.

5 Steps to Win Your Next Elk Draw

Want to find success in your next elk lottery? Get some tips from Mark Kayser on how to beat the point creep, find less-applied for honey holes, and more.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.