Watch: Conservation Officer Has Up-Close Encounter with Trapped Mountain Lion

by
posted on March 14, 2016

North America's biggest cats are elusive beasts and, as such, not a lot of folks have ever had an up-close and personal encounter with one. Yes, there are hunters among us that give chase, where legal—but not many, and even then, the mountain lion doesn't make things easy. I've actually seen a cougar in the wild on two occasions (on back to back days, no less), though they never got closer than 60 yards or so. So, like most of our readers, I suspect, I've certainly never been within two or three feet of an angry lion. The same can't be said for at least one Utah conservation officer, based on the video I've embedded above.

Filmed in December, but only just now making its rounds on the Internet, the video shows a game warden and local trapper battling to release a cougar from a bobcat trap. The trapper, upon realizing he'd caught the wrong kind of cat, reported it to the state's Division of Wildlife Resources. Though catching a mountain lion in a trap that's designed for bobcats and coyotes isn't common, it does happen, and Utah requires that such incidents be reported. The state even offers help releasing lions, given the danger it presents. Officer Mark Ekins responded and assisted in letting the cougar go, which was fortunate—the trapper doesn't look nearly as prepared for the job. Ekins, though, had apparently overseen his fair share of cougar releases, and manages the situation with ease. That said, there were a moments that I'd consider a close call.

Watch the incident yourself with the video embedded above, or by clicking here.

Latest

SUPPORTZF 45 27X50i Cam 03 Preview 01
SUPPORTZF 45 27X50i Cam 03 Preview 01

New for 2023: GPO Spectra 4.5-27x50i SFP

The German Precision Optics (GPO) Spectra 4.5-27x50i SFP is built for those who hunt game in environments where shooting at extended ranges is often required.

#SundayGunday: Davidson’s Pietta 1873 Great Western II

Get a closer look at the Davidson’s Pietta 1873 Great Western II, the latest addition to our #SundayGunday series.

Recipe: Fettucine with Ricotta and Venison Sauce

Contributor Brad Fenson gives his readers a hearty pasta sauce recipe to help round out the cold winter months.

Garmin Introduces Updated Navigation Devices

Garmin has announced the GPSMAP 67 Series and the eTrex SE. These rugged GPS handhelds are packed with tools to help find the way, while enhanced battery life supports longer expeditions.

First Look: Scent Thief Olfactory Eliminator

Scent Thief is out to revolutionize scent control for hunters and trappers. Rather than cover human odor, Scent Thief’s patented “No-Smell” technology shuts down an animal’s ability to smell.

First Look: Burris Signature LRF 2000

Burris has bridged the gap between the company's advanced rangefinding riflescopes and rangefinding archery sights with the introduction of the Signature LRF 2000 handheld rangefinder.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.