When Intruders aren't human
Cougars and Coyotes,
When thinking of either nothing "Cute' comes to mind.
Friends hunted out west for years. I was told that most kills by Mountain lions/Cougars were killed as Dave H describes. but was also told they first consumed the vital chest organs... by going through the ribcage. They discard the stomach and often bury it so it doesn't spoil the meat and that the stomach/intestines smell doesn't attract moochers. After ward dragging their leftovers and hiding it in a cache, often buried or covered with brush. Taking a few days to finish off a mature deer. They are NOT the solitary hunter many think they are. When a dominant dies his range of upwards of 120 sq miles is quickly taken over by another.
Coyotes, I have some experience with, having killed nearly 2 dozen. With night vision I've seen/heard/watched Coyotes push deer toward a no escape corner, like high fencing, or a ambush. After the kill they will eat from the rear end, often leaving the carcass spread out and in dismembered pieces.
Coyotes are in numbers here, Wolves being reintroduced up north.
The Feral Hogs are quickly becoming an issue here that will soon be a major problem.
Be safe and dispatch when needed.
Anyone telling you Cougars are lone animals should see this..... @ 1:04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiAReGMArPs
Here is a Newspaper link to the video below:
Mountain lions prove rare wildlife sighting for Bennett Valley residents | The Press Democrat
Is Bennett Valley in Santa Rosa? Is it near Northern CA ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq0oc8jg9ac
Charlie-Painter777