That is brave.
Face-to-face with one of the most notorious killers that is clearly super angry takes a lot of balls. These wildlife officers have an intense job sometimes.
Cougars or mountain lions are large and elusive predators that inhabit the mountains of Utah. These powerful cats are known for their stealthy hunting tactics, incredible speed and agility, making them one of the most impressive predators in the state.
Cougars are solitary animals and are most active at dawn and dusk when they hunt for their prey. They are typically tan or grayish-brown in color and can weigh up to 200 pounds, making them the largest wild cat in North America. These majestic creatures have muscular bodies, long tails and powerful legs that allow them to leap up to 15 feet in a single bound.
In Utah, cougars primarily feed on deer and other small mammals, including rabbits and rodents. However, they have been known to attack larger prey, such as elk and bighorn sheep, if they are hungry enough.
Cougars typically avoid humans, they have been known to attack if they feel threatened or cornered. These attacks are rare, but when they do occur, they can be deadly do to the effectiveness of their attacks with sharp claws and crushing bite.
This cougar is seen stuck in a foot hold trap that was set for bobcats. Wildlife officers were called to release the animal.
The officers talk about their plan and go to work. As they approach the mountain lion freaks out. They manage to immobilize it from the front and back before they get its foot out of the trap.
The back off and let the cougar realize it is free. It is seen taking off into the woods.
What a wild encounter, expertly handled by some brave and knowledgeable wildlife officers, who were able to free that cat without sedating it.
Nature is wild and it is amazing to see the professionals at work.