I know this is an odd combination for a posting but I found this huge spider resting in the corner of my siding just outside my studio where I was painting a cougar.
Although she was very docile in the cold weather, I can imagine my fright if she were active and running around in my house.
Having never seen anything like her, I did a little research and found that these spiders are apparently not harmful and the markings on her huge body are supposed to look like a cat face.
They can vary in size from 5-7 mm long and 4.5-5.5 mm wide. This one had a body about the size of my thumb but I couldn't figure out how to hold it next to her without scaring her or me.
I'm normally not a fan of spiders but I'd never seen anything like her.
Here's a great site for information if you're interested
http://wiki.bugwood.org
Now for the other half of the post.
Wikipedia link :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cougar
COUGARS- also know as the Puma, Mountain Lion, Mountain Cat or Panther
Although they are beautiful, they keep me alert and nervous when walking in the forest alone.
Cougars are predators - the top of the food chain - and their actions are often unpredictable. We have little understanding about what might trigger an attack, but following these general guidelines will reduce the risk of cougar conflict and prepare you in the unlikely event of an attack.
Cougars seem to be attracted to children, possibly because their high-pitched voices, small size, and erratic movements make it difficult for cougars to identify them as human and not as prey.
Talk to children and teach them what to do if they encounter a cougar.
Encourage and supervise children to play outdoors in groups.
Make sure children are inside before dusk, and stay inside until after dawn.
Do not attract or feed wildlife, especially deer or raccoons. These are natural prey and may attract cougars.
Roaming pets are easy prey. Bring pets in at night.
Do not feed pets outside. This not only attracts young cougars but also many small animals, such as mice and raccoons, that cougars prey upon.
Keep a radio playing.
Hike in groups of two or more. Make enough noise to prevent surprising a cougar.
Carry a sturdy walking stick to be used as a weapon is necessary.
Watch for cougar tracks and signs. Cougars cover unconsumed portions of their kills with soil and leaf litter. Avoid these food caches.
Cougar kittens are usually well hidden. However, if you do stumble upon cougar kittens, do not approach or attempt to pick them up. Leave the area immediately, as a female will defend her young.
If you meet a cougar:
Never approach a cougar. Although cougars will normally avoid a confrontation, all cougars are unpredictable. Cougars feeding on a kill may be dangerous.
Always give a cougar an avenue of escape.
Stay calm. Talk to the cougar in a confident voice.
Pick all children up off the ground immediately. Children frighten easily and their rapid movements may provoke an attack.
Do not run. Try to back away from the cougar slowly. Sudden movement or flight may trigger an instinctive attack.
Do not turn your back on the cougar. Face the cougar and remain upright.
Do all you can to enlarge your image. Don't crouch down or try to hide. Pick up sticks or branches and wave them about.
If a cougar behaves aggressively, arm your self with a large stick, throw rocks, speak loudly and firmly. Convince the cougar that you are a threat, not prey.
If a cougar attacks, fight back! Many people have survived cougar attacks by fighting back with anything, including rocks, sticks, bare fists, and fishing poles.
T
