BajaNomad

More on the Big Cats

Osprey - 8-29-2012 at 03:11 PM

A close call with a big cat.

Yesterday I got two more calls about the big cat sightings in the village. At 7:00, while I was having my coffee, a guy who lives on the beach, not far from the new marina, called to tell me he saw what he thought was a bobcat near his place. Said it was about 30 pounds, gray, longish legs and a tail. No time to get a photo in that early light. I had told him about the two thin, light brown pumas another neighbor saw just across the street from my place this last Sunday very early in the morning.

I got online and spent practically the whole morning browsing photos and info on L.r. peninsularus and improcera, pumas and bobcats of Baja California trying to convince myself which cats my neighbors were seeing, which ones had brutally killed the cat next door.

I could never have guessed I would learn more the hard way, first hand, right in my yard. The dogs were fast asleep with Lynda and I in our bedroom – the Trane whisper and the floor fan noise usually keep all four of us sleeping soundly through the night. But sometime in the middle of the night when I went to the bathroom I heard a noise close to the patio. I stepped out and listened. Nothing, not a sound. Then I saw a big long shadow spirit across the driveway and leap up and over the wall. When I followed to see more I heard the other cat. In the light of the streetlamp I could see the lion standing in a pile of our garbage and I was already too close – he couldn’t jump over the gate or the wall from where the cans were so he was cornered. I choked back my fear, grabbed a closer empty plastic garbage can and threw it right at him.

He let out a low growl but it was not enough to wake the dogs. The cat leaped over the cans and went for my throat; I fell back heavily on the driveway adokin and could do nothing more than flail fecklessly at the slashing teeth and claws.

He was at my throat now, pulling my sheet, tugging it….

“You’re snoring. Just turn over. Turn over.”

I saw Lynda’s white nightshirt shape in the dark as she went back to bed. She must have scared him off. Took me a long to time to stabilize my heartbeat. Seemed like a long time. Maybe just a couple of minutes. I’m not sure.

[Edited on 8-29-2012 by Osprey]

bkbend - 8-29-2012 at 04:00 PM

I hate it when a good night's sleep ends up like that. Thanks!

Santiago - 8-29-2012 at 06:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
...adokin....
[Edited on 8-29-2012 by Osprey]

I have no idea what this means. None.

Ateo - 8-29-2012 at 06:24 PM

You scared the crap out of me for a second.

I also had a wonderful experience last night

thebajarunner - 8-29-2012 at 07:57 PM

Finally met the young lady of my dreams,
had a few drinks,
and then off to her place
where she got comfy
and more comfy
and.......

"huh, snorting and twitching?"

"not me, ok, I will roll over, hasta manana"

Osprey - 8-30-2012 at 05:04 AM

Santiago, pavers, driveway pavers.

QUETZALCOATL - 8-30-2012 at 07:11 AM

That was a great story-thx.

Pescador - 8-30-2012 at 08:11 AM

It is a good thing Lynda was there to save you.:tumble:

Santiago - 8-30-2012 at 06:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
Santiago, pavers, driveway pavers.

Oh, I was thinking "ta taas over tea cup".

Sallysouth - 8-30-2012 at 09:19 PM

Thats the stuff Osprey!! You had me going.....:O

TALENT,TALENT...AWESOME WRITING!!

captkw - 8-30-2012 at 09:21 PM

HAD ME GOING THERE FOR A SEC!! K&T:cool: