Saturday, November 23, 2013

Camera Critters: Cougar



On one of my recent visits to the zoo,
cougars Shasta and Haley were having a discussion about the best place to take a nap.



Cougar
Cougar
Cougar
Cougars

Both of the cougars are young cats and their stories are similar.
It is legal to kill cougars under certain circumstances.
It is illegal to kill female cougars with kits.
Both Haley and Shasta's mothers were killed. 
Shasta had two siblings that were found quickly and rescued, but Shasta went hiding.
He was finally found and made his way to the Houston Zoo where he is now the official
mascot of the University of Houston cougars. 

Just look at those feet! 
They share a lovely habitat -- plenty of room to climb, run and jump and no one to shoot them.


Camera Critters
Thanks to Misty for hosting Camera Critters each week.

Wishing all of you well and much joy.


17 comments:

eileeninmd said...

The cougars are beautiful animals. It is sad that their mothers were killed. Wonderful photos!

Catherine said...

Beautiful cats… it's a shame about their mothers. Fortunately they were saved and protected, and have each other :)

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh how interesting, Snap!

And I absolutely LOVE that pic of them looking at one another - you really caught something special there, great pic.

Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

They are lovely cats. Lovely and deadly.

Dorothy Borders said...

Wonderful pictures! Wonderful animals.

allisamazing said...

What beautiful creatures and great photos!

Vee said...

Those are some huge paws! What beautiful, elegant animals, though I wouldn't want to meet one in the woods.

Irene said...

Beautiful cats.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

They are handsome animals. We had a speaker to our garden club tell us about them and that there are more in Ontario that we were aware of. I'm glad these ones will lead a safe and stress-free life.

Ruth Kelly said...

I think he posed for you. They are beautiful creatures.

Anonymous said...

What beautiful shots you took of these soulful looking creatures.....such power and presence. xox

Mary said...

Such magnificent cats! :) I adore them. I think they are protected here in Oregon and south in California.. as they should be, at least in my opinion. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos!

Joyfulploys said...

You captured some great photos of some beautiful cats....have a great new week ahead!
Mary

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

They are such magnificent, elegant creatures! I love the big cats (and the little ones).

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful animals- thanks for sharing!

Mary said...

Gorgeous animals, so glad they have a happy & safe habitat :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful kitties! I'm so glad they have a safe home now.