Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Mountain Lion Tracks Reported Near Reservoir

Once again we have a “big kitty” in our area.

What appears to be mountain lion tracks at Oliver Reservoir were found after a snowstorm earlier this month.

No reports of a mountain lions have been made this year, but the tracks don’t lie.

Multiple lake goers on the west side of Oliver reported seeing the tracks this past week.

Mountain lions are nearly always uniformly tan in color with black tipped tails and dark fur on the back of the ears. Until they reach about a year old, they have dark spots and a dark-ringed tail. These cats can live in a variety of habitats, but prefer rougher wooded areas.

If you encounter a mountain lion, remember to act big -- for example raising your arms above your head. You want to make a lot of noise and talk in a firm voice, waving your arms. In majority of cases this will detour the large cat. If in case these first options do not work and you end up in a fight with the lion, remember to fight back,

One important thing to remember is not to purposely stress the cat out.

And please contact law enforcement and the game warden if you do encounter a cat or see signs that one is near.