When you’re on a hike, it’s hard to take in all of your surroundings. Especially when it’s an animal famous for being elusive. That’s what makes a recent video so incredible: a wildlife photographer spotted a mountain lion resting in a tree.
Check out the wild clip:
The video comes from Jason Miller. The photographer is based in southern Arizona. He’s grabbed some great images in the past of rare wild animals, like a jaguar outside the Tucson area.
In this video, Miller explains that he had walked under a tree and, on his way back, saw the mountain lion relaxing on a large branch. Miller slowly approaches the animal, which seems unfazed by his presence below.
“Look at that mountain lion,” Miller can be heard saying in the clip. “Oh my gosh. I walked right underneath him.”
In the comments, many viewers express shock and relief that Miller is safe. Others see it as an incredible encounter and a truly unique moment.
Spotting a Mountain Lion
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) estimates there are between 2,500 and 3,000 mountain lions in the state. That translates to roughly one mountain lion for every 40 square miles, making sightings extremely rare, especially given how well these animals can hide.
In fact, the AGFD says people are more likely to see signs that a mountain lion has been in the area than to spot the actual animal. Basically, you’re far more likely to find paw prints than to see a cougar in person.
“Signs of mountain lion presence include large tracks without claw marks; large segmented, cylindrical droppings; food caches where a kill has been partially eaten and then covered with leaves, brush, or dirt; and scrapes in soft dirt or leaf litter,” they wrote on their website.
Have you ever had a unique run-in with wildlife?