Posted on 11/09/2004 6:57:38 PM PST by Lonesome in Massachussets
Mountain Lion Spotted In Boston-Area Town Joggers Urged To Use Caution
POSTED: 10:44 am EST November 9, 2004 UPDATED: 7:33 pm EST November 9, 2004
ACTON, Mass. -- Acton residents are being warned about a mountain lion on the prowl.
NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that there have been two sightings of a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, in the past week.
"It was scary. It was a growl. It was loud and it was deep. It was what you envision when you hear it -- you just envision this large cat," said Acton resident Colleen DiPietro.
"It sounded like an animal in distress running around our house about three times," said Acton resident Ellen Schemerhorn.
Experts say mountain lions no longer roam the area, but this sighting on Mohawk Street is different -- two police officers saw the cat, too.
"When they got out the cruiser and went to the back, they reported seeing a large animal walk by them. They describe it as a 5- to 6-foot cat, very low to the ground, very muscular with a long tail," said Acton police Lt. Don Palma.
An electric sign has been put up in town to alert residents and pet owners. Police are also urging people who jog at dusk or dawn to use extra caution.
"I wouldn't rule anything out, but it would be my belief if there was a cougar here, it is probably an illegal release. There is an illegal trade of wildlife of what they call 'prestige pets,'" said Tony Wolski, of the environmental police.
If you do come face to face with a mountain lion, experts say you should not run, try to appear as big as possible and make a lot of noise.
That's as close as I nees to come. I mean we're 25 friggin' miles from Boston.
Dispite what "experts say" a caller to the Howie Carr show this afternoon claims that "they" have been tracking a female mountain lion over in the old Natick Lab closed area about five miles south of this point. There were reports of mountain lions in Chelmsford about ten miles North of here about a year ago.
I live in the neighborhood but I look on the bright side. Since only 37% of us Massholes voted for Bush, the odds are the lion will eat a Democrat.
It's the ultimate Viking Kitty come to claw Boston back to its senses!
Wow.
I know coyotes are a real threat here in MA, especially to pets and children. (Also to adults, but only if you're caught with your pants down, figuratively, and perhaps literally if you're out in the woods.) I saw one in a residential area just this week.
They caught the beast. Turns out it wasn't a mountain lion. It was Teresa stoned out of her mind roaring something about Laura Bush.
The Acton PD gave her a ride back to Louisburg Square and asked Gigolo John to "keep her from scaring the children".
LOL
Bear, beaver, deer, fishers, coyotes, turkeys around Bedford, so I guess it was only a matter of time before bigger predators showed up.
Drat! And I won't be home to see it. (grumble)
I had no idea there were so many MA Republicans here on freeper, great to see though!!
Isn't it lovely to live in a gun-free zone like MA? That mountain lion would already be at the taxidermist's if he showed up anywhere in Texas!
Saw a couple of coyotes as well, yes. separate sightings, but one was groad daylight!
Excellent point!! Odds are worse than before the election,
on the brightside, the rest of us will ignore the State. I am over run by deer, beaver, skunk, opposums and I live 12 mi. north of the city.
Buy a gun, it could literally change your life!
As long as your life doesn't require "some Change" in the next 7 or 8 months!
My Son and my dog were almost attacked by a prevalence of Coyotes at the Cape in mid July.
Can't get a license? Get A BB!
MA isn't gun free!!! Regulations yes, but not gun free
The mountain lions heard there was free meat with all the Democrats committing bloody suicide in public places.
We will take your coyote, if you take our bears???
SAVE THE COUGAR!
Well welcome. I am relatively new to MA myself, used to be in CT
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