JEB
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/28 13:40:46
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JWF: I was just telling you what I was told in person by a GC officer in the Poconos. "That we have them here and we think they are breeding in PA." Other than that I have no "proof". But if the GC keeps denying them and then an officer tells you they are here. Who do you beleive ? One of them is not telling the truth ! Also, How does DNA from a wild cat differ from a pet cougar ?
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just_wanna_fish
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/28 14:11:51
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i am just skeptical is all like i said i do believe its possible and there are some very remote places that it may be highly possible. As far as the pagc i wouldnt believe not one single word that came out their mouth. i dont care if its a pet or a wild cougar that just wanted to go walk about. i dont care if its DNA or a food stash i would like to see tangible proof. i will admitt i was skeptical about coyotes being this far south and this close to population until i saw one for myself. again not saying there isnt mountain lions by whatever means they got here. i heard a buddies, uncles friend shot a jackle that escaped from joe hardys place, maybe he did maybe he didnt i never saw a pic. there is supposed to be a feral hog problem i never saw them either i called the PGC they said the what? they may still be around too, fred down the streets brother got one i never saw any proof of that either. sorry i am just a skeptic, i am not trying to insult anyone.
Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
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TastyTrout
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/28 16:11:11
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Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths. Jimmy D Moore
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JEB
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 08:54:09
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JWF: To quote an old work friend of mine. " I know what was said, cause I was there when they said it". Maybe the PAGC officer was full of BS, but that's what he said. I too would like some proof, but if you can't trust the government, who can you trust ? LOL ... Either way it would not surprise me when they prroof fianlly is reveiled !
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wrighter00
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 10:45:10
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Who's really doubting that Mountain Lions live in PA? It's within their native range and there are still brook trout in PA. Aside from ourselves or some Penn State biology students, who is going to go wander around the mountains long enough to find a breeding pair? I would never assume that the PFGC is going to use the man power to find them. Public safety or not, it's just not something I'd think they'd look into. It would prolly take someone getting mauled for them to look into it. That's why my .45 goes with me into the mountains for a day of fishing... or my .303 for overnight stays. As far as coyotes and black bears, they aren't even comparable to large cats. I've heard packs of coyotes howl back and forth from farm fields and saw one eating road kill peacefully with passing traffic. Almost hit a black bear with my car and have had them tear up the trash. They even turn up in town around here and I don't even live close to the highlands. At most, we have only a few miles of woods in any direction. Mountain lions and cats in general make a living on being scarce.
post edited by wrighter00 - 2013/05/29 12:26:53
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Esox_Hunter
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 12:13:24
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I would say the 3/4 of a million hunters plus all of the fisherman, hikers, campers, and motorists have all put some time in around rural PA. Throw in the use of trail cams and it's apparent that there are lots of eyes monitoring the woods. These cats may be scarce, but they are not ghosts and they do leave sign behind, and if there were lions taking up residence in PA, we would have evidence of it by now.
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TastyTrout
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 12:57:45
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Esox_Hunter
I would say the 3/4 of a million hunters plus all of the fisherman, hikers, campers, and motorists have all put some time in around rural PA. Throw in the use of trail cams and it's apparent that there are lots of eyes monitoring the woods.
These cats may be scarce, but they are not ghosts and they do leave sign behind, and if there were lions taking up residence in PA, we would have evidence of it by now.
Esox....I don't think anyone is saying they're abundant here. I'm not even suggesting that there's a breeding population. All of the examples you gave would be relevant if the issue wasn't mountain lions. Even someone that doens't think they're here would agree that if they were they'd be in the remote parts of the forest. There aren't many hunters, trail cams, fisherman, hikers, etc. in the remote parts of the forest. They've been confirmed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Couple that with the fact that juvenille males disperse 100 miles or so...well Michigan isn't all that far from PA. I'm sure everyone knows of the confirmed lion killed in Conn. that was proven to have traveled from South Dakota. That's certainly a 1 off and a lion on some sort of wild mission, but it does speak to fact that lions can be here. A reproducing population, probably not since it's mainly males that do the traveling. But the point is that it's not too far fetched in my opinion for some to be here. I'll agree there hasnt' been concrete proof that they're here in PA and to be quite honest I don't want to be the one that comes up with that proof unless it's on trail cam. I can't imagine actually seeing one of those in the woods and not having anyone believe you because you don't have an image that can be proven to be taken in PA. Let's face it even if someone had a track, scat, etc. the people on this board and others would tear it apart and label it as man made. Will the PGC ever confirm mountain lions are here? Probably not until they're absolutely forced to. Confirmation that lions are here I think would certainly result in less hunting licenses being sold. I know there's certainly some guys that won't wander around the mountains at 4 am knowing what could be lurking right beside them. EDIT....to each their own. A believer can't discredit a nonbeliever because it hasn't been proven yet. But a nonbeliever can't exactly say that it's not possible for them to be here currently.
post edited by TastyTrout - 2013/05/29 12:59:51
Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths. Jimmy D Moore
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freshwaterdrumR
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 13:24:25
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Esox_Hunter
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 13:27:56
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For what it is worth PA has the highest hunter density in the U.S. You're kidding yourself to think there are not lots of people in the woods, which would include the "remote" areas of this state. You can have your fairy tales and conspiracies; I think I'll stick with the facts
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Esox_Hunter
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 13:30:01
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freshwaterdrumR
I wonder how many of these sightings are bobcats? I could see my girlfriend thinking this was a mountain lion... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVhvhngeHYU
Probably quite a few. Heck, plenty of people have mistaken a 10# housecat for a mountain lion before...
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just_wanna_fish
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 16:08:14
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i hear ya JEB plus 1 on the government i actually think it would be pretty cool to be able to see one in these parts. wrighter i carry my .45 in the city for wolves and snakes. shockingly i rarely carry when in the mountains
Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
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TastyTrout
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/29 21:07:03
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Esox_Hunter
For what it is worth PA has the highest hunter density in the U.S.
And yet so many complain about not being able to find all the deer....and we have proof that deer are here in large numbers....
Men and fish are alike. They both get into trouble when they open their mouths. Jimmy D Moore
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bridgeport
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/30 00:00:40
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freshwaterdrumR I wonder how many of these sightings are bobcats? I could see my girlfriend thinking this was a mountain lion... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVhvhngeHYU Its a little different when its lit up in headlights 10 feet away by someone who hunts and fishes.. From a farther distance, you might not be able to make out the bobbed tail then it would be understandable.
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Puffy
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/30 08:02:47
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Confirmation that lions are here I think would certainly result in less hunting licenses being sold. Nope. Never. Many other factors may contribute to falling license sales, but the thought of a Lion being in the woods wouldn't be one of em. Lions, Tigers, and Bears, OH MY !!!
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World Famous
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/05/30 08:12:19
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Check them for ear tags. That BS about the ear tags in coydogs was a real joke. Now grey wolves are a different thing...WF
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wrighter00
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/02 17:47:19
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@just_wanna_fish. Believe it or not, I'm less afraid in the city. Most of my favorite fishing spots are the last place I'd find a real gang banger. I did get robbed by some teenagers with a .22. They were more scared than I and scattered as soon as $30 left my hand. They needed it more than me. haha. If I was all that scared in the woods, I'd carry something with more accuracy over 20ft than my .45. It's a stopper, but a creature would have to be that close to bother me.
Since this thread, I've asked around and already found one person who knows of a sighting. Still not proof, but enough for me to keep an eye out for interest more than safety. Everything is hearsay, but someone still sees what they see. There could be millions of hunters in the woods. They still don't hear, see, or smell better than a mountain lion. If it doesn't want to be around humans then it wouldn't be. Trail cams or not, what if someone got footage of one? Would you believe that it was in PA?
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wrighter00
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/02 17:52:33
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Go Penn State! Let's hear it for the Nittany Lions! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nittany_Lion Mountain lions had roamed on nearby Mount Nittany until the 1880s. [3] The origin of the name "Mount Nittany" is obscure, the most commonly accepted explanation being that it is derived of Native American words (loosely pronounced as "neet-a-nee") named after the cougars that roamed the mountain or "single mountain" - a protective barrier against the elements.
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just_wanna_fish
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/03 20:45:43
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wrighter00
It would prolly take someone getting mauled for them to look into it. That's why my .45 goes with me into the mountains for a day of fishing... or my .303 for overnight stays.
^^^^^^^^^ ahhhh ummm never said i was scared of the wolves and snakes in the city just that i carry a .45 for in the city for em.
Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
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Sujie
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/04 07:13:03
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just_wanna_fish wrighter00 It would prolly take someone getting mauled for them to look into it. That's why my .45 goes with me into the mountains for a day of fishing... or my .303 for overnight stays. ^^^^^^^^^ ahhhh ummm never said i was scared of the wolves and snakes in the city just that i carry a .45 for in the city for em. Why don't everybody stop messing with the wolves, coyotes, snakes, et al. They don't bother anyone (humans) unless it's accidental contact. Think about it......what gives you the right to take their life just because they are what they are? You think your life is more important than a snake's life? Packin' that .45 must make you feel good, also. Do you take it to Wall-Mart? (Unless you're talking about the two-legged kind of snakes and wolves, then by all means have your way with 'em.)
post edited by Sujie - 2013/06/04 07:29:02
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tippecanoe
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/04 08:15:22
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You think your life is more important than a snake's life? yes, yours isn't? I don't carry when I fish, and I don't randomly shoot snakes or anything really. However, my life is definitely, without a doubt, more important than a snake's life. I almost walked completely away from this place, I am so glad I gave it another chance. This thread alone...
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D-nymph
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/04 10:10:09
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just_wanna_fish never said i was scared of the wolves and snakes in the city just that i carry a .45 for in the city for em.
Why do you need a .45 in the city for wolves & snakes? Have you ever seen a wolf or a snake in the city? Which city are we speaking about?
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Accountant
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/04 10:46:41
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if a snake had a gun, it would certainly try and shoot me in the face.
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just_wanna_fish
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/05 20:04:30
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Which city are we speaking about? Pittsburgh Have you ever seen a wolf or a snake in the city? yes,yes i have we just had a snake punch a girl repeatedly in the face while trying to steal her purse. wolves can been seen running in packs most time when you spot them they go their way and you continue on yours they tend mostly to quarrel with the other packs. sometimes the young wolves trying to get into the pack will try and proove they are worthy will attack anyone around. they bark and yap a lot like little beeches every now and then one will try to bite and you just have to put em down. just sayin
Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
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bcain
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/05 23:53:19
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Don't mind these guys just-wanna-fish, these guys didn't catch on real quick. Must not be too accustomed to city life. I am from the country but a lot of experience in the city. I carry anytime I am in the city. Dangerous animals there.
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D-nymph
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/06 10:09:42
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woodnickle
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/06 11:16:20
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They are in Mercer and Mckean Co. for sure. Reliable witnesses. I believe!
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anzomcik
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/07 13:11:28
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I have had a run with what I feel is a mtn lion. maybe 14 years ago just after dark our dogs stated to go nuts, barking like they have never barked before, at the same time our horses were flipping out and huddling around in the one corner of our field. We heard two raor/growl sounds after that my my dad told me to get the shotguns and he got flash lights. We ran up in the field, there was maybe 3 inches of snow on the ground we didnt see any animals but we did find 2 sets of cat tracks walking parrallel about 10 feet apart, they were about 4-5inch dia. I very good friend of mine who lives about an hour south of me, has told me him and his grandfather seen one while turkey hunting many years ago. He is the kind of guy whop wouldnt make stuff up, I truely believe what he says. Finally I got this old newspaper clip from the meadville trib. From what i have seen, there is no doubt in my mind their are some around. It is real easy to discredit a persons experience, unless there is a motive to lie most people will not lie about somthing that will gain them nothing.
post edited by anzomcik - 2013/06/07 13:20:47
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Theprodrifter1983
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/11 06:10:49
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Im sorry im very skeptical as well since every study i have looked at shows the closest populations to be i florida kentucky and conneticut. But then agiain i am use to seeing them since i grew up in wa. There could be a small population here in the state and ur all right the pa gcm is a bunch of liars sunce i have been told by many many of them that pa gc didnt stock keystone state park with tigers and they are in there i have found the socking list on their site and they say no bunch of bs lying jerks. Think its about time i work for them i have a fisheries management degree :-p
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KingKool
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/11 22:07:06
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I heard the state is stocking El Chupa Cabra to thin out the Mt. Lion herd...............
4 out of 3 people don't understand fractions.
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Skip16503
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Re:Mountain Lions in the Laurel Highlands
2013/06/11 22:48:28
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KingKool I heard the state is stocking El Chupa Cabra to thin out the Mt. Lion herd............... I see those every time I empty a bottle of Jack for some reason
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