Watch: Florida Woman Has Close Call with Cougar on Bridge

by
posted on April 1, 2016
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

R470 LEDE
R470 LEDE

First Look: Ravin R470 Crossbow

Ravin has announced the brand's most advanced crossbow to date, the R470. Designed to be the most accurate, user-friendly and high-performance crossbow on the market, the R470 combines a compact design with speed, durability and a silent, effortless cocking system.

Wildlife Violations Lead to $900,000 Fine

In early April, a federal judge in Brooklyn sentenced two men for trafficking protected birds and eggs into the United States in violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Dr. John Waldrop of Cataula, Ga., was ordered to pay a $900,000 fine—one of the largest-ever for an ESA case—and serve three years of probation. Toney Jones of Eufala, Ala., was sentenced to six months of probation.

Federal Custom Shop Adds 28-Gauge, Heavier 12-Gauge TSS Turkey Loads

Federal Ammunition has expanded its Custom Shop offerings with the addition of two new 28-gauge and four new 12-gauge TSS loads, providing even more flexibility for hunters seeking to elevate their performance. These latest additions are now available exclusively through the Federal Custom Shop.

Know How: Foul-Weather Toms

Wondering how to surprise a foul-weather tom? Scott Haugen has some answers in this month's Know How.

Hardware Review: Spandau S2 Realtree MAX-7

Those who are in the market for a new scattergun for wingshooting or even just a casual clay-busting session should check out the Spandau S2.

Henry American Construction Industry Tribute Edition

Henry Repeating Arms has debuted its American Construction Industry Tribute Edition, a new addition to its lineup of collectible Tribute Edition rifles that honors the men, women and companies who build America from the ground up.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.