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Discussion on Horses in Mountain Lion Country
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Member:
9193
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Posted on Friday, Apr 9, 2004 - 12:05 pm:
Hello All,
I will be taking our 14 yr old TB to my folks place in the Sierra foothills 40 miles northeast of Clovis. The little town they live in is called Tollhouse. (we tell folks to take a left at the chocolate chip cookie tree and go a mile to the gate)
My stepmom recently built a large pole barn under which we can fit four metal pipe paddocks that each measure about 24'x24'. There are no sides to the barn. It is basically a big roof with the paddocks underneath. The purpose of the barn is because now all the five granddaughters can bring their horses to grandma's house and not have to dash home to check on their steeds..The 23 acre property is fenced and we have so enjoyed being able to take Justin on "vacation" with us.
We are used to hearing the coyotes run the creek thru the property, but folks are now talking about seeing alot more mountain lion tracks and the visual sightings are more often now than during the winter.
The paddocks are about an acre distance from the house. We keep a light on at the barn so we can see the horses from the house with binoculars. Would a mountain lion be tempted to mess (attack) with a horse confined in a paddock situation as I have described? There are three dogs that stay outside at night. The fence goes back about a half acre towards the barn, so the dogs can bark, but they cannot roam around the horses.
The deer have been plentiful, but several of the ranchers have lost sheep, goats, and a few of the folks who live in the higher elelvations claim that the lions have killed family pets. (I can't substantiate that one)
We always have to be aware of the snakes up there, but I wonder how vulnerable the horses are to the local wildlife. Any thoughts, suggestions or related experiences would be welcome.
Thankyou,
Debra
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Member:
Goolsby
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Posted on Friday, Apr 9, 2004 - 2:01 pm:
Unless the mountain lion is accustomed to preying on horses I wouldn’t be too concerned and under normal circumstances, I would not think they would venture into human territory to tangle with a healthy horse, especially with deer plentiful. But since there have been reports of farmers losing livestock (Are they sure it was Mt. Lions and not wolves that killed the livestock?), and they can be unpredictable, I would check with the fish and wildlife office or whoever collects data on the populations/sightings/attacks in your area.
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Friday, Apr 9, 2004 - 2:04 pm:
It is something to consider, we live near Lancaster, CA and I ride often in the mountains around here. There are a few cat sightings in the area each year, if you look at the state game websites they claim there are a lot more cats around than anyone ever sees. I think it was around 5000-6000 statewide. I don’t normally concern myself too much, although it is in the back of my mind. I figure the small chance of becoming a meal is just one of those risks we take by getting out of bed each day.
The cats don't like noise and commotion so dogs and people tend to keep them away. Their primary food supply is deer, so having plenty of deer is a mixed blessing. On one hand as long as there is food they won’t be looking at your horses, on the other hand the food source almost guarantees there are cats around. The majority of the cats will stick with deer, only the old or injured cats will start looking for easier prey.
The only other thing I can think of is I wouldn’t have any trees in the paddocks. Cats primarily wait for their prey to walk under them and then DrOp out of the tree and break the prey’s neck. No guarantee but it may discourage them. Besides, the horses would probably just eat the trees anyhow.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
Pauline
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Posted on Friday, Apr 9, 2004 - 10:56 pm:
Hi Debra,
I would like to add another caution.I live on Vancouver Island,BC, and I have never heard of a problem with penned horse but there was a RCMP member riding near Gold River and he was attacked by a cougar.He had leather boots on and so did not suffer any injury but got quite a scare.I believe that the problem stemmed from a young starving cougar and so it is wise to be aware that this problem could exist but is very unusual.
It is one of those things that shouldn't keep a person from enjoying this great sport but always to be aware of.
Regards,Pauline
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 10, 2004 - 1:00 am:
here in northern california we have had several mountain lion attacks on humans, running/cycling the trails...
my 7 week old colt was taken down and all most cat food by a mountain lion...the conditions were of a full moon.. just he and his mother out in a 10 acre field...the fish and wildlife folks, thought that it was a young cub just learning to hunt.. thus a failed attempt..
Ann
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Member:
Lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 10, 2004 - 4:49 pm:
Yes, it can happen. I live in mountain lion country (near the foothills of the Rockys). I have never seen a mountain lion from horseback, but saw one once on a neighbor's property. Normally, mountain lions do not attack full-grown horses, but I would worry about a foal. Also, a friend of mine who lives in a development in the foothills, had a scary experience when a mountain lion attacked the pasture mate of her horse. She moved him from that pasture, up to Wyoming onto a larger piece of land. So, I would think it pays to be careful and vigilant. Normally mountain lions avoid humans, but, just like foxes and coyotes, I believe they can become somewhat habituated to humans and their surroundings.
Lilo
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 10, 2004 - 10:38 pm:
Would hotwiring the area help? Sounds kinda scary. Isn't there a way to let the dogs roam with the horses? By reworking the fencing? Dogs are the best first sign of intruders....
jojo
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Member:
Hwood
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 10, 2004 - 11:55 pm:
Donkeys are great lion fighters.
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Member:
Jodeen
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 11, 2004 - 9:30 am:
Hi,
I live at the base of the Uinta Mountains on the Wyo. side. We too deal with Mt. Lions year round. WE live just 100 yards from a creek they frequently water. We see the tracks and also deer kills as close as that 100 yeards to us. We are foaling now, so I am on more alert. We do keep one donkey for that reason. they are very aggresive little guys when it comes to lions or anything, I also know of a family that keeps a Llama with their animals. I have lost claves to theses lions, but never a foal. I also own black and tan hounds, they are penned on the outskirts of the field of my foaling mares. when we ride in the mountains one hound will go with us at all times. they dont like anything that will turn and face them and fight back. like every one else i feel that if a lion was to take on a horse it would either be a young one, or a starving sick one. My fear this year is the bears are coming down off the moountain more. We are starting to really see their signs more than ever.
good luck, and keep guard.
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