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I am 50 years old and yesterday had the pleasure of seeing my first cat in the wild. We we turned on to M33 north of Rose City MI and a huge cat ran across the road. It was running full tilt, coat darker brown and there were some hair on the point of the ears, I think it was as big as my German shepherd but hard to tell as it was stretched out in a run, sorry I do not have more detail, dark brown with tufts on ear, it looked muscular though not like a fur ball the skin was tight to the body not like a nice looking furry kitty.
It made the day seeing it in the wild, just trying to get an idea of what it might have been. My first thought was cougar because of how impressive the mussels looked as it ran and its size, I tried to focus on it and did recognize the points of hair on the top of its ears. It was no house cat! We were blessed to see it but not sure what it was. Did not notice the tail.
Thanks for the help.
Dear Mike,
If it was very large, solid tawny color and had a long tail, then it was a cougar. If it had tufted ears, pale spots and stripes on the body and legs, and a short tail, it was either a bobcat, or possibly even a lynx (larger, but rarer).
You can see pictures here for comparison.
Bobcat:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=bobcat&gbv=2&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10
Lynx:
http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&sa=1&q=lynx&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10&start=0
Cougar:
http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&sa=1&q=cougar&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10&start...
I've noticed that a wild animal seen suddenly can sometimes appear larger than it really is (especially birds of prey!). Bobcats, in particular, because they are so long-legged when they run, can look bigger than they are.
But I hope these pictures will help. What a nice treat to see!
Dana
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Answers by Expert:
Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:
If you have found an "orphaned" or injured wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise a baby yourself, or rehabilitate an injured anmal. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.
I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.
I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.
COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.
FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".
These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").
The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.
Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.
Organizations
House Rabbit Society
Publications
Exotic DVM journal
Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.
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