Trapped Mountain Lion Uses Acrobatic Skills to Help Rescuer Get Him Out of Spillway
Sometimes animals get themselves into predicaments that require human assistance to get out of, as did a young mountain lion in Vallecito, Colorado. The Weather Channel shared a video on Thursday, April 26th of a mountain lion cub trapped in a spillway, and he needed some help getting out of it.
The video starts showing the scared mountain lion curled up at the bottom of the spillway with no way to get out on its own. A wildlife rescuer was sent to help. He sat on top of the structure and lowered down a 'lifeline' to the cub. Watch as the cub is lifted to safety; it's pretty impressive!
It's like the mountain lion knew the man was trying to help! I think by watching the mountain lion hold on to the log (I think that's what it is?) with his jaw shows us all how strong these guys really are. It's actually kind of terrifying to see it and it's a good reminder to steer clear of them!
Related: Hiker's Video of Mountain Lion Watching Him on a Trail Serves As an Important Reminder
Cool Facts About Mountain Lions
While the mountain lion in the Weather Channel's video is still a cub, it's clear he's not a baby by his size, and the fact that he's alone. Cubs start hunting for their own small prey by the time that they're 6 months old and venture out on their own away from mom around 1-1/2 to 2 years old.
Here's an interesting fact: cougars and mountain lions are one and the same. According to Wildlife Informer, not only do these cats have different names even though they are the same animal, but they are also known by other names too. This is the reason that mountain lions are known as "the cat of many names". Other names for the same cat include Puma, Panther, Painter, Mexican Lion, and Catamount, in addition to Mountain Lion and Cougar.
Mountain lions can jump, and they jump high. They have the largest hind legs of any cat in the cat family and can jump from the ground 18 feet up into a tree! WOW! This also allows them to sprint very quickly for short distances - up to 50 miles per hour!
Just like house cats, mountain lions purr when they are happy and content. However, mountain lions don't roar like lions do. The females have a very loud scream, which attracts males. Other than that, they stay pretty quiet.
Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare. Wildlife Informer says that this is because "they are not habituated to humans, and do not see them as prey." They also share, "Mountain lions do not usually attack unless they feel cornered, or if someone running away from them triggers a chase response." If you do ever encounter a mountain lion, it's best to stand your ground, make yourself big, make noise, and make direct eye contact. Here's to hoping I never cross paths with one!
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
