‘It had my heart racing’

A drone operator tracking deer in Missouri got a surprise when a rarely seen large predator came into view.

What’s going on?

Columbia Daily Tribune A mountain lion was reported spotted during an aerial survey of the deer population in Saline County.

Jack Huston of Midwest Deer Surveys released the images social media. He told the Tribune that drone thermal imaging captured the mountain lion near a herd of deer. “My heart raced. I didn’t know if he was going to kill a deer. This is crazy. A real predator that could do some damage. It was a beautiful thing,” Huston said.

Why are mountain lion sightings in Missouri important?

Mountain lions rarely appear in the Show Me situation; There have been only 121 cases in the last 30 years, but the numbers are increasing. Part of this is due to the big cat’s elusive nature, but it’s also due to intense habitat destruction and human encroachment. Mountain lions, also known as cougars, panthers, and pumas, were once common throughout the continental United States but are now found primarily in the United States. western states.

They play an important ecological role in controlling prey populations and indirectly maintaining sustainability. many other types. However, being in a foreign place may cause some concerns. The chances of being attacked by a mountain lion are extremely low, but mountain lion attacks do occur.

Another potential source of conflict is the involvement of these versatile hunters in livestock farming. Because they are so rare and the Missouri Department of Conservation has no plans to reintroduce them, there is a general lack of knowledge among residents about what to do.

What can be done to prevent conflict between cougars and humans?

After all, it’s a matter raise awareness And Eliminating harmful misinformation about animals.

They usually do their best to avoid people. If you rarely encounter one, officials advise Keep your distance and be careful around pets and young children, who are at much greater risk. If a mountain lion continues to advance toward you, stay big, speak up, and never turn your back on it.

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