Lions of West Texas

[@swill1020]

I once had a cougar with a collar scratch my back. Once done believe it or not she drove a car home.

[@Wanderingtraveler6]

It was great meeting you the last two days Ben! Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and time with me!

[@CajunAdrienne]

They are so beautiful! I love their color and slight markings.

[@adamlongoria2268]

I saw one on my way home (rgv) from working in west texas. It was heading south about and hour before the Falfurrias checkpoint.

[@johnnyhancock9928]

Thanks, some of the best films on my home state.

[@billroberts4910]

I’ve lived in Texas all my life and have only seen one lion and from why off. Still...amazing animals.

[@SunfishForFish]

Bill Roberts need to come to Weatherford I see a mountain lion once or twice every other month

[@kristinaclark4264]

Same. We heard some at my uncles back door one night when I was a kid. Also, in all my 41 years in Texas ive never seen a rattlesnake. Knock on wood.

[@fetti214]

Bill Roberts where

[@johnevans6474]

Great video, thank for all your hard work.

[@grangerousdesigns4678]

Those collars are huge.Yall should make them smaller.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

@Maxwell Geist Either size they can get hung on it.

[@BoneyRasputin]

You’d think they’d have modern equipment to use instead of those collars from the 1960’s

[@kingchris9167]

Ya know there are so many mountain lions out there. However these mountain lions are so smart that even seeing them is rare. Most of the time if you are in lion country chances are one is watching your every move and nobody realizes that.

[@dirtedirte8771]

I’ve seen back home in Deep South Texas on ranchland. 40 minutes from the ocean

[@outbackeddie]

About 30 years ago I was followed by a mountain lion in Clevland National Park in California. I would have been seriously worried if I wasn't packing heat. When he "disappeared" I decided to go back to my car. The next two hours of the hike were pretty nerve wracking.

[@elcajondavid1]

At least you seen one, I have been hunting and hiking the East County since I was a kid, and to this day only seen one, and it was on highway 67 just on the border of Lakeside one late night. Seen plenty of tracks, even seen a bear on the Campo border once, but that is it.

[@michelemichele5204]

one of the most beautiful creatures on this planet! just beautiful! i wish we had a lot more of them.....

[@U2bMAN100]

Those are some kinda monster collars.....don't think it's much fun for the mountain lion.

[@IamUmma]

Certainly technical advances allow much smaller collars. I hope 2019 wildlife is not encumbered by the weight and size of previous critters.

[@yaspicyboy5430]

Oh. No wonder I don't see any mountain lions I live in temple which is in central Texas and the most I see is deer and coyotes

[@grabobbill6543]

I used to live in central texas too- every once in a while I'd hear of a mountain lion sighting although I've never seen one.

[@aint8666]

That was where my sister was born I was born in Midland

[@carybrown3192]

We lived between Temple an Zabcikville for years and saw Bobcats frequently!

[@watoq774]

i seen a moutnain lion at the cedar ridge park in moffet on lake belton one time and that was it

[@girlonhorseback132]

I love this. I wish Mountain Lions were a protected species.

[@txavier83]

eileen tidwell I agree, big cats are a hunters dream.

[@txavier83]

Jessica Domann I agree.

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

eileen tidwell I encourage you to do a little research on how hunters are the number one providers for sustaining wildlife throughout the states. The common misconception of trophy hunts are due to ignorance. In many management areas taking small or immature game is illegal. In turn you take the mature, larger game that may be killing the upcoming breeder or may be sterile itself If you love nature so much, you'd get out of the social media bubble, buy your state license to support their prosperity, and just educate yourself on how it all really works out for the preservation of game. Predator hunting and trapping is part of that game management. Imagine if we had 100s of these mountain lions and no way to keep their population in check. They'd be killing as they do in California and then states would have to pay hired hands to basically come and slaughter them. Pick your poison but your quarrel is not with the hunter.

[@janbadinski7126]

@Jess Hunting for sport should be illegal in all countries, especially apex predators.

[@janbadinski7126]

@@hailtothe_rooster1572 When they are becoming extinct in some areas, there is no reason to kill them, like in Florida. The Florida Panther is an example. They are close to extinction. I won't go into the concept of poaching. Also, game did fine long before humans came into the picture.

[@janbadinski7126]

That cub was adorable, pudgy little belly. The grown one was looking at them like they were lunch, cat licking it's lips even.

[@tomswinburn1778]

I ran across a mountain lion about 12 miles north of Laredo Tx. in 1970. Very close and personal. We stared at each over a raised rail bed for what seemed several minutes but was probably less than a minute. I was armed, with a large calibre handgun and maybe that's why I wasn't scared. But the cat seemed to have no fear of me either, just curiosity. After those few moments it faded back into the mesquite scrub behind it and just disappeared, not even rustling the brush. Of all the experiences I've had with wild critters in their element that brief meeting with the big cat remains my favorite. Maybe because it was unique. Run across lots of deer, javelina, smaller critters. The one thing I guess I'll never be lucky enough to run up on is the black bear, especially at my age. There are only two areas in Texas they exist, widely separated and not even the same kind of black bears. But I continue to hope. That the mountain lion continues to exist is hard to believe, as everything is against them. The black bears, at least the Louisiana black bear found in east Texas is making a slow, very slow comeback. I'm afraid the Mexican black bear isn't. But we, these generations alive today may be the last to enjoy sharing space with them. Sad. Thanks to the filmmakers and participants in this video. Enjoyed.

[@jeremycocking1964]

when i was 14 or camping in the candain bush one came up to my campsite when looked in a wood kicthen about twenty five feet from my tent,was huge about nine feet long seen me left in peace

[@juanmontelongo7314]

Such beautiful animals. Those eyes are truly piercing.

[@RileyCallery]

I just saw one right outside of El Paso. I thought I was going insane. Didn’t know these guys were down her. Lol.

[@edk2221]

Davis Mountains, especially Mount Livermore, should be a National Park

[@calebsmith8865]

I heard one of these a couple hundred yards away from my bedroom window one night in the middle of lubbock texas. I was asleep with my window open and it woke me up with it's screaming. At the time, not knowing what it was, I was convinced it was a demon😂😂

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I’m 70. When I was a kid we lived in Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. There was a rancher who had a pet cougar he’d found as a kitten whom he took everywhere. One time we were at the grocery store and he turned up,and tied the cougar outside the store. When my Mom read she was oblivious. I snuck out of car and cuddled the cougar, who purred and loved being scratched behind her ears. Eventually, Mom looked up and started screaming at me about being eaten. The cougar gave me a look of pity and I returned the car. I got the whole “wait til your father comes back” lecture. Daddy came back, twisted in his seat and gave me a short lecture. Then he winked at me and we drove home. Not the brightest thing to do but what an incredible moment in my life. I love and respect cougars (no cuddling) as a result. Second part result of the private chat my father and I had later.

[@Thermalpighuntingintexas]

I have heard them and I am down 20 miles south of floresville.

[@donsal.t.1765]

Has anybody seen a mountain lion in San Marcos Texas?

[@dennyguitarxxcdennis2780]

the texas lion is unique its amazing

[@WalkaboutLife]

And I thought bull riders were risky...

[@JesusChavez-ir9bd]

Any one ever heard about stories or seen mountain lions near King Ranch/ RGV area?

[@PTX0432]

I’ve seen one just south of Pecos Tx outside the Lindsey area

[@judyparsons3215]

Are there in Medford because I saw one couple days ago and Medford

[@donnaziccardi7064]

WE have had two sightings in our "neighborhood" near several golf courses in NORTH DALLAS in the past two years.

[@montavianwesley6559]

Donna Ziccardi Sure your not thinking of them Bobcats?

[@Thermalpighuntingintexas]

Who do I contact to go study these awesome creatures?

[@frankblangeard8865]

You are free to go study them on your own. Oh...you want to get paid for doing it? First get a Masters degree or better yet a PhD.

[@anoniconoclast2030]

@@frankblangeard8865 Go to tracking school first.

[@davidshellenberger8404]

The ideal is for cougars and other predators to be free (uncollared), appreciated, and protected.

[@johnchoate3898]

The giant collars don't seem to be helping their survival rate.

[@augustajeter6035]

During bad winters, the big cats attack our horses. Horses are tougher than you think, and they protect each other.

[@sarahsodone5993]

Horses can be mean af

[@AmyLikesQuestions]

I love Texas ♥️

[@KingGGaming762]

They need to come up with collars that aren’t so big , wouldn’t it restrict some of its movement?

[@813lem]

i dont like the collars either, it has to be uncomfortable and annoying.

[@Palestine81]

where's this place in TEXAS what area

[@paigeburton3687]

I’ve gotten a few small ones on a game camera and last year I think a lion killed one of our cows was wet all on the neck and only part missing was the rear legs definitely not dogs or buzzards.. bastrop texas

[@davidmartin5365]

I seen a mountain lion here in Big Spring Texas. 20 yards away

[@00DP]

Liar liar Hu hu

[@kozmicre982]

I knew a tool salesman for many years who travelled with a few of his friends hunting wild hogs, which are not havilena although they may appear so the latter can range quite larger than boar. They are also quite vicious defenders if surprised they will javelin and thrust charge just like a boar will yet the story he told me wound up his friend in the ER with severe gashes from having been gored by one that was later found and weighed near 700 lbs he had pics of his buddy and the havilena. His friend recovered and now walks with a cane. Be careful and best if nature is left to its own course, I have been raised to flow with its eco system and regard it as a sacred cycle, one I respect and give back to its preserve with thanks for its many provisions. It helps of we have a good mentor to grow up next to.

[@darrenwilliams1417]

Fantastic job guys!

[@oreo1064]

I ran path with one summer 2021 in san antonio off 211 couldn't been more then 8 months old. I was walking in chet hi grass not thick but enough to see a mountain lion hopping in the grass 15 feet front me. I never seen one ever. Always heard stories of them out skirts Seguin. The cub kinda looked at me but was not interested in me. But I called him over with kissing sounds snapping fingers he wasn't interested in me at all other then 60 seconds looking at me. He only looked at me because I called him. Real beautiful animal. He left in a blink of an eye

[@JasminYzaguirre]

I live out here in New Braunfels by panther canyon and I swear I hear something in the night/early mornings!

[@augustajeter6035]

Do a documentary on the wildlife of Red River!

[@Christian-xd3vg]

One can only hope better politics in the future will lead to better understanding and protections of these precious, important animals.

[@laurawalker1460]

Beautiful eyes that lion has. Does anyone know the difference between mountain lions and lions king of the jungle?

[@tomswinburn1778]

Mountain lions have been confirmed in 253 of the 254 counties in Texas. Not all however recently. The idea they can only exist in higher elevations is false. Coastal areas a few feet above sea level have at one time or another been home to the big cats.

[@tomswinburn1778]

Mountain lions have been confirmed in 253 of the 254 counties in Texas. Not all however recently. The idea they can only exist in higher elevations is false. Coastal areas a few feet above sea level have at one time or another been home to the big cats.

[@WillThomas-1986]

Introducing lions into hog infested areas, good idea?

[@fetti214]

Jay Fiero I would think so and I thought the same thing

[@zachjonas6987]

Maybe sterile lions lmao u don't want too many running around or u might not be;)

[@lcobb5214]

6:15 these people are puzzled by how mountain lions persist in a game rich enviornment.

[@frankblangeard8865]

Anyone who puts a tracking collar on an animal should be required to wear the same type of tracking collar for the same time that the animal has to wear it.

[@Kingmunn]

Those putting the collars on few mountain lions are doing it for research that will benefit the mountain lion species in the long run, opposed to it doing harm to the entire mountain lions in the U.S which is worse than simply hurting your feelings or making a mountain lion uncomfortable with that collar. Think before you speak.

[@seanyouknowwho798]

Complaining about biological research done to better understand how to manage and protect a species is the epitome of ignorance.

[@MIKE2111ful]

@@Kingmunn I wish your story was the case but I'd be willing to bet that they do this to every mountain lion they get their hands on and I can also bet you their goals is to eventually have every single one of them wear a collar

[@liveoak144]

I hate the collars and the practice of catching them in cages and moving them to less populated areas, but this happens. It is their best chance of survival at this point in time. Unfortunately, we have a ignorant generation of ranchers that have been proliferating in certain spots in Texas. I don't like them, either.

[@davidbarrett4586]

It’s like arguing against childhood vaccinations because shot hurts the child. Short term discomfort, long term benefit, adulthood 101.

[@williammckenzie1941]

So you risk breaking a leg with a snare trap to install a bulky tracking collar in order to gather info on what a lion does. Lame.

[@codyking4342]

Just more proof that liberal hippies sit behind a computer and talk a bunch of shit when in reality they do absolutely nothing while in the meantime others are actually doing something to learn about a species and help them with conservation. The risk of one lion breaking a leg is well worth gathering enough information about them that may lead to saving the entire species. That is lame

[@vernareed2692]

Such beautiful animals!!

[@larrybaker9924]

Jaguars are also back in Texas.

[@gabrielaguilar1391]

Larry Baker yeah, but they are notoriously unreliable. It would probably break down mid chase. 😉

[@newerafrican]

3:06 Ok... I'll... just... be... leaving... now... wait... ok.... got it.

[@zeph6439]

Is it true that this species is near extinction or am I misinformed?

[@Jayfy3]

Zeph it’s true sadly

[@zeph6439]

@@Jayfy3 That's truly sad news. In the same vein, there are only a few thousand wild lions left in Africa. Maybe, just maybe this will awaken the world to the serious plight of these magnificent feline jewels in nature's crown.

[@Jayfy3]

Zeph yeah man I feel that. They need to put more together so they can breed more but people have to stop killing them what do you get out of it smh

[@zeph6439]

@@Jayfy3 It puzzles me too, Jay. I mean surely it can't be that hard for governments or authorities to make a plan to save them before it's too late?

[@kingchris9167]

They aren’t on the endangered species list. But there numbers are slowly getting smaller. On the WWF there population is least concern status but in a couple of decades there population will be on a serious decline.

[@radiantmind8729]

Jesus... Are y’all serious with those ginormous collars??!

[@daydream5460]

It’s a wild story but a huge female pissed on my windshield while I was sleeping in my car. I had seen her tracks for months she was eating abandoned pets outside of Dallas Texas. My car stunk for a long time but it was worth it because of the story! I only saw her that one time.

[@waterbottle8692]

Okay who the fuck would shoot a mountain lion with a big clunky research collar CLEARLY VISIBLE.

[@paulodrca]

wonderful

[@liveoak144]

I hope those collars stretch or expand somehow, because they collared a herd of mule deer out there in the Trans-Pecos, and they did not allow for growth of the younger deer. They had to sneakily go around and a shoot the ones that were choking to death at a later point. Talk about pissing the ranchers and everyone else off who live out there! Plus, I bet the deer were pretty darn po'd, too!

[@plattforminternationalismu1690]

Warum ihn fangen?

[@texaswildmen4212]

shit every thing here is dangerous we got mountain lions wolfs alligators snakes mosquitos gotta be careful

[@codegood1024]

Texas Wildmen no wolves anymore unfortunately

[@dennyguitarxxcdennis2780]

Texas Wildmen ur A bad pussy tho

[@rainiiland6117]

Tarantulas . scorpions. centipedes. killer bees . coyote . rattlesnakes. got it all out my way and wouldn t trade it for the world

[@rainiiland6117]

wolves too

[@tuborgcarlsberg1184]

You forgot the Texans (Just Kidding )

[@daliborjovanovic510]

Thanks to humans, Texan cougars are now dining on Barbary and European food.

[@insurrectionistforfreedom8813]

thats like putting a scram bracelet on them that is fucked up

[@Asome3333e1]

All I see is big kitty

[@noahmatthew6658]

Those tracking collars are inhumane

[@michaelchristian5089]

Mountain lions, I think, have the most beautiful head & face in the whole, feline family... ...one criticism of this film is that it shows assholes how to lay snares.

[@lyonalp646]

I love moten lions thar so cute ☺

[@itsnouramoonlight5013]

Why don’t you just chip them with GPS

[@cabelawolf9658]

Because chips arnt always reliable. Collars aren't painful and gather more information. Cougars are massive cats so the collars do not bother them

[@DUKE-REBUKEM]

Just found out today

[@davidpeightal4918]

Livestock 0%. Wow. Ranchers should raise mountain lions to protect their cattle. Mountain lions eat coyotes but have never eaten a new born calf. Wow.

[@tytipton6346]

Think like a mountain

[@judyparsons3215]

Summon Oregon that’s an organ Medford

[@paultanner2007]

Milsap Tx.

[@soulg1969]

I don't like that collar.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Much too short.

[@anoniconoclast2030]

WHAT THE HELL! You are using WAY to big of collars! You should be ashamed.

[@sammuelmccall56789]

alligators are bigger.

[@jondirty6666]

100 ive been abducted

[@redsammy7789]

observe them from afar and leave them alone and you will get real data on them.

[@redsammy7789]

sorry but you just altered this cats natural habits after that BS. So your data is not accurate and that is a fact.

[@crimsonwizard1988]

You're talking through your ass mr. internet scientist. The specific data they are trying to collect (home range information) is not going to be affected by these methods. If they were looking at social behavior or some other complex trait that's dependent on non-intrusive sampling then yes they would have to find a way to observe from a far. If you don't know anything about wildlife biology, stfu.

[@redsammy7789]

@@crimsonwizard1988 showing your ass again. Lets drug you and slap a collar on you and lets see if you just go on like nothing happened was my point Mr. internet know everything about animals.

[@thatfeeble-mindedboy]

Will feral hog populations pressure, or entice the re-entry of the North American Jaguar to Texas?

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Their in my neck of the woods, in a town of 50k at the base of the mountains. Lately Ring cameras pick them up. I have seen 3 so far in 10 years. Recently there was a lion sitting under the tree where I dropped my kid off to walk to school. Let them be, they avoid people.

[@tomswinburn1778]

I ran across a mountain lion about 12 miles north of Laredo Tx. in 1970. Very close and personal. We stared at each over a raised rail bed for what seemed several minutes but was probably less than a minute. I was armed, with a large calibre handgun and maybe that's why I wasn't scared. But the cat seemed to have no fear of me either, just curiosity. After those few moments it faded back into the mesquite scrub behind it and just disappeared, not even rustling the brush. Of all the experiences I've had with wild critters in their element that brief meeting with the big cat remains my favorite. Maybe because it was unique. Run across lots of deer, javelina, smaller critters. The one thing I guess I'll never be lucky enough to run up on is the black bear, especially at my age. There are only two areas in Texas they exist, widely separated and not even the same kind of black bears. But I continue to hope. That the mountain lion continues to exist is hard to believe, as everything is against them. The black bears, at least the Louisiana black bear found in east Texas is making a slow, very slow comeback. I'm afraid the Mexican black bear isn't. But we, these generations alive today may be the last to enjoy sharing space with them. Sad. Thanks to the filmmakers and participants in this video. Enjoyed.