 |
 | |
  | |
|
|
|
|
Grand Canyon National Park
Mountain Lion Kittens Tagged
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
An Integral Part of Research at Grand Canyon National Park
|
 |
| Grand Canyon National Park | | A mountain lion kitten with a red eartag attached for future identification. |
 |
On July 26, 2007, three five week old mountain lion kittens were captured and tagged within Grand Canyon National Park by park researchers. The litter of three females was found by mapping GPS locations of their radio-collared mother. Each of the three kittens was fitted with a uniquely numbered eartag for future identification.
An attempt will be made in a year to recapture these kittens after they have grown large enough to wear a radio collar. These kittens will provide important information on dispersal and movements of mountain lions with origins inside of the park. (1.04 MB)
|
|
Since November of 2003, 16 adult mountain lions have been captured and radio tagged inside of Grand Canyon National Park. Nine of these lions (six males and three females) are still collared and being monitored by park staff. The purpose of this research is to monitor how lions use the park and surrounding lands, including the Kaibab National Forest. The research will also provide information on how mountain lions interact (or most often choose not to interact) with humans and how human infrastructure affects them.
|
|
Press the play button to start the video
|
Mountain Lion Kittens
In July, 2007, National Park Service biologists discovered 3 mountain lion kittens within Grand Canyon National Park.
At five weeks old the kittens had blue eyes, spotted fur and a formidable growl. The kittens each weighed about five pounds.
In this video clip, you may watch two of the kittens in their den.
Length: 2:06 iPod link (3.6MB)
|
|
|
“Grand Canyon National Park provides important habitat and prey for mountain lions in all areas of the park including sites frequented by people,” said Grand Canyon National Park wildlife biologist Eric York. “By understanding mountain lion movements, population dynamics and habits, biologists can make efforts to limit the potential negative interactions between lions and humans. This data will be utilized to inform and educate visitors on how to safely share the Grand Canyon with mountain lions.”
To date there have been no threatening encounters by lions in the study. However, humans have been responsible for four mountain lion deaths within the past two years - two from vehicle collisions inside the park and two that were legally hunted outside of the park boundary. Another collared mountain lion died due to natural causes. Park biologists have also lost touch with two previously collared lions. It is believed that one collar fell off and the other collar failed. The fate of these two lions is unknown.
Although there has never been a mountain lion attack at the Grand Canyon, there have been lion sightings.
“The number of lions and the increasing number of people utilizing the same areas of the park make an encounter a possibility at any time,” said York.
The following suggestions may help reduce your chances of having a mountain lion encounter:
· Hike in a group and make noise.
· Keep small children under control; do not let them run ahead.
If you encounter a mountain lion that does not immediately retreat, follow the steps below:
· If you have small children, pick them up.
· While facing the lion, back away slowly; do not run.
· Look big and make a lot of noise – let the lion know you are a human.
· If the lion is not backing away, throw rocks and sticks at it to scare it off.
|
 |
| NPS Photo by Elaine Leslie | | Mountain Lion (Puma concolor) |
|
Ranger Minute - Mountain Lions
(Puma concolor, also called cougars or pumas) inhabit the canyons and forests of Grand Canyon National Park and are the region's only remaining large predator. Surprisingly, very little is known about this secretive animal’s behavior, range, and habits. In this Ranger Minute, Park Ranger Lori Rome shares some interesting facts.
Ranger Minute - March 2007 - Duration 3:26
Windows Media Player-- Quicktime Player
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Did You Know?
The view from Toroweap Overlook (North Rim), 3,000 vertical feet above the Colorado River, is breathtaking; the sheer drop, dramatic! Renowned Lava Falls Rapid, just downriver, can be seen and heard easily from the overlook. This remote area is located on the northwest rim of the Grand Canyon.
more...
|
|
|
|
Last Updated: September 19, 2008 at 19:26 EST |
;){kind=link}