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Wild Animals/what type of feline was this?

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Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/2/2009


Question
I saw this feline the other day and I don’t know what it was. I live in Oregon, kind of in the woods. We have bobcats and coyotes around here, but the other day I was driving up the hill, and this big cat was crossing. he was walking briskly, not running. He had a long tail that trailed down his rear to an inch above the ground. He was spotted. He was bigger than a Labrador, but smaller than a deer. His fur was shinny and was not fluffy, but slick and single layered. He was really cool looking too. I guess he kind of looked like a mountain lion except for the spots. What type of cat was this??

Answer
Dear Rick,

If this cat had a long tail and was not a released/escaped exotic big cat, then the only likely suspect is a young mountain lion.  Although adults are solid tawny, the babies are born with spots, and some retain them well into their "teen" months when they are quite large.  Here's a picture of one such cat:

http://fwp.mt.gov/fieldguide/mediaDisplay.aspx?id=9468&elcode=AMAJH04010

and here's another for size comparison with a human:

http://lenapedelawarehistory.net/mirror/PHOTOS/TomHahnLion.jpg

Hope that helps.

Dana

Wild Animals

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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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