A mountain lion reported by several hikers at Emma Long Metropolitan Park in Austin, Texas, turned out to be little more than a very convincing archery target.
And it wasn't even a fake mountain lion. It was a fake cheetah.
Austin Parks and Recreation department officials told The Austin American-Statesman that the target was being used by nearby Austin Archery Club. Rangers investigated reports made by several spooked hikers, who understandably didn't stick around long enough to see that it wasn't moving.
“It was huge. We thought it was a full-on lion at first,” said Michael Law, who was hiking over the weekend with his wife and two dogs at the top of a mesa when they saw the animal about 20 feet ahead of them. “It was the biggest thing, like a Great Dane but twice as heavy.”
Law says the animal had a long tail and fur with darker patches. It was standing still and looking at something else -- or so they thought.
“We both did a double take and slowly backed up and then ran for our lives,” Law said. “I think we ran 4 miles at a 7-minute pace. It was nuts.”
Park rangers were understandably concerned. They reported seeing tracks, and planned to meet with biologists to confirm whether they were made by a large dog or a mountain lion.
Guess that meeting won't be necessary now.
If you do spot a mountain lion, rangers say the worst thing you can do is flee.
Back away slowly but don’t run, which could make you look like prey, said LeAnn Ishcomer, park ranger program manager for the Austin Parks Department.
If the lion approaches, talk in a loud voice and pick up a stick to make yourself appear larger. If the animal does attack, fight back, she said.
No word on how to fend off a stuffed archery target though.
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