Mountain lions living on the edge. Generally speaking mountain lions can be found where the deer are present. Their habitat could be steep, canyons and the rocky mountains. They are found in US states extending up to the British Columbia. They may live in deep forests also 10,000 ft above the sea level. Facing a multitude of challenges in the Rockies, its just a race against time.
They are elusive and discreet. On a frosty winter night the temperatures could plummet as low as minus two. In such harsh weather’s the chances of losing the young are far more than ever. There could be bears, the wolves which are feared the most.
Mark and his team are monitoring 15 of these animals this year. The male named F 85 has been caught finally. They have recently encountered male 51 mating. Mark discovered their mother who is dead. He is gone to see how the remaining cats are faring. They sometimes feed on carcasses, the stench could attract the grizzlies in the area. The lions are making an exploratory journey into the national park. They are navigating between the established mountain lines. They looking for more resource in terms of prey to sustain themselves also be able to interact and socialize.
Marks video gives you a chance to see the the difficulties faced by the lions. Having lost their mother. They are wandering like lonely orphans. A few weeks down the line he is out to see how the lion cubs have managed on their own. Surprisingly out of almost 80 kittens born to different parents, only 20 survive in the first 18 months, in the crucially inhospitable environment only living to combat the bigger challenges. Along the way the pack of kittens may lose their mother or father, remaining back to live on the edge. For the longest period of time Mark has been at it, trying to figure out how these beautiful animals survive. The team of the mountain lion foundation is also contributing on conservation of these endangered species. Today more lions are shot than at any time during the American bounty period when people were paid to eliminate unwanted species.
With not many resources ours is a country and home to some of the most majestic animals living in the area. I remember when we would travel from Lahore during our law college days right up to Shah Kameer which fell in Jhelum district, the foot hills of the salt range. I remember some glorious days of our incessant hunting spree. Always looking for a chance to hop upon. My brother Imran Masood, Chaudhry Shafaat a dear friend and probably the finest shot, Deevaan sahib a laid back onlooker, late Jimmy Chaudhry, and myself would come to this place for a mighty hunt.
This is mid eighties. The place was teeming with Urial. There would be a continuous ridge of mountains that we climbed, breathlessly clambering on to the top of the mountains, which almost seemed endless. We were undeterred, moving on enthusiastically just for one glimpse of the mighty Urial. They were in abundance. Ch Shafaat with his 270 mm Remington was an excellent shot. He usually shot 500 m plus target through his telescopic rifle hardly ever missing the target. The same is true for Imran.
The first time ever I shot through Shaff’s help I shot a male not any afterwards though. Many of the trophies are taxidermised which are a common sight at Mian Akbar house and Zahoor palace. Imran was a good shot too. They were both very good rather excellent. This went on till late nineties. Suddenly it came to a halt. These are certain ineffaceable memories but, what I want to say is that the area could be built into one of the most bountiful areas as regards Urial conservation and hunting. We were challaned once our twice to our utter surprise. That could never dampen our spirit or will. It’s hunters heaven. I am sure the wild life conservatory would have done their bit in trying to take care of the area.
The foreigners could be targeted to come and hunt on certain terms of course. This may afford the locals with an opportunity to maintain what primarily is theirs.
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