An Interesting News Story
Read more articles on Life's Nuances and Let Me Share With You and Cats.January 20, 2008
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
January 20, 2008
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
379 Views
Well, it’s not that often I am bemused by a news clip, but something made me sit up and take notice today: Headlines reported “large cat spooks eastern Pittsburgh” Even though I live north and not east, I just had to read about this monsterous attack kitty.
It turns out that folks had been reporting seeing a mountain lion, which, as you may have gathered, is not often seen strolling around the steel city. Well, as fate would have it, on Wednesday, who should happen to walk across the front yard of one of our local major television stations but this critter? Luckily, a quick-fingered photographer who just happened to be looking out the window snapped a picture, which he took to the zoo. The professionals did not think the animal’s head and tail were representative of a mountain lion-no surprise there- but did resemble that of a lynx (which is not native to this area, either.)
Hmmm…was someone keeping this little guy as a pet and he escaped? How horrible to be outside at darn near zero degrees, with a good part of the city just waiting to take a shot at him. Hopefully proper authorities can capture him until adequate facilities to house him can be found. What made me laugh, though, was when the public was told not to run away should they happen to come across it, because it could encourage his innate predatory behavior of giving chase. Instead, the zoo representative continued, one should “act as big and loud as possible” to scare this cat.
This creates all sorts of funny images in my mind.
I can see a really bold group of 8 years olds doing this much more than I can envision a little senior citizen. Think about a 5 foot, fragile looking, white haired 80 year old swinging their arms and screaming “scat” while stamping their feet.
Imagine coming across a hungry feline that stares you right in the eye. Ask yourself if you would have the sense of mind to inflate yourself as tall as possible, take great big steps, and make a lot of noise. I’m not even sure I could even find my voice, like in nightmares when you’re so scared, you open your mouth and no sound comes out.
These are the kinds of things they don’t teach you in school. I’m glad I came across it. Now, if any of you come face to face with a mountain lion-or lynx-you’ve been prepared. Send me an email to let me know that this post has come in handy; I and the readers here will be glad to know it!
Copyright © 2006
Terms & Conditions
