After the two marvelous dinners two nights in a row we enjoyed sunset from the veranda at the Grand Lodge.
Just liked the reflection.
And when we walked out to the parking lot one parting shot.
To view more skies from around the world go to Sky Watch Friday by clicking here.
During training we walked through the woods to view a cougar kill site from last fall. The cougar that killed this deer was a 4.5 year old female who was later shot in the Kaibab National Forest by a hunter. Once they leave the protection offered by the national park they are fair game during the right hunting season. Average life expectancy is 8-10 years.
What we found was a bunch of mule deer fur, not even any bones in the area. A mountain lion will usually stay by a kill for 2-5 days. After eating its fill, starting with the organs, they bury the carcass under forest duff to protect it from insects and other predators.
P1 collared at GRCA http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/TigerQuoll/cougar/P1.jpg
Brandon, one of the Grand Canyon’s wildlife biologists, specializes in cougars and follows the daily movements of 32 collared cats on the South Rim and 5 on the North Rim. How does he catch a cougar? By laying out a padded leg trap, that gives off a radio signal, in a slight depression and usually in a drainage where they are known to travel. When a signal indicates the trap has been set he hikes to the location and from a safe distance uses a blow dart to tranquilize the cat. Brandon said they are usually pretty docile when he gets there, but he still doesn’t just walk up to a mountain lion and pet it.
After the big kitty goes to sleep blood is drawn and the radio collar attached (the black box with two screw heads). To the right is the VHF and GPS antenna. The larger box on the left contains a mortality sensor, GPS receiver, VHF beacon and an ARGOS antenna with uplink that sends a GPS location six times a day—sometimes via France—and records other information also. Cats are rough on the collars which only stay active about 14-18 months.
cougar crosses canyon http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/images/P05-Cross.jpg
In total, Grand Canyon biologists have collared 61 adults and five kittens since the cougar study began in 2003. 70,000 GPS locations and about 600 kill sites have been documented.
There’s certainly nothing to over worry about being attacked, especially up here on the Kaibab Plateau as there is plenty for cougars to eat: deer, turkey, coyote, an occasional porcupine, cottontail or pocket gopher and there’s a Lot of mule deer on the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest.
cougar tracks image http://www.sierraphotography.com/coyoteoakjournal/jphotos/012600_32b.jpg
Yet it’s a good idea to know how to recognize cougar tracks. The key is the bumps on their pads, two in the front and three in the back. If you do come across a mountain lion, DO NOT RUN. Yell, throw things, pick up small children—put them on your shoulders—look as big and mean as possible. Chances are they will run the other way before you have time to catch your breath.
No matter what you call these big kitties, they are magnificent. This cougar captured my heart when I was an animal keeper at the California Living Museum. I was honored to be so close to her while my heart broke that she would never be free.
After two nights in a row of fantastic dinners at the Grand Lodge, I won’t have to eat for a week.
Mother’s Day Sunday each lady received a white rose. Such a special touch.
Forever Resorts concessionaire at the North Rim put on two shake-down dinners, one for their own employees Sunday night and again for National Park Service staff Monday. I went as Mike’s guest and he as mine. This is a good opportunity for the staff to practice working together, it’s a large staff and very efficient. Food presentation speaks for itself and the flavors these extraordinary chefs blend together melted in my mouth.
First night, starting with fresh bread and a sun-dried tomato with olive oil dipping sauce followed by prime rib with jalapeno potatoes served with broccoli and cauliflower.
Cheesecake for desert.
We even dressed up for the occasions. Sorry no pic the second night, but we had on different outfits.
Alcohol served second night, can you say prickly pear margarita.
And for dinner, Alaskan Coho Salmon, polenta and asparagus, plus extra sauce, for me.
Mike had a linguini with some kind of fancy sauce served with glazed carrots and turnips.
And for desert the in-house made berry torte in a custard for Mike.
I needed a chocolate fix with the layered cake, which Mike had to finish.
Topped off by a gorgeous Grand Canyon sunset.
And seeing the mule deer on the way back to the parking lot.
Today we opened at 7am. Come and see the Greatest Earth on Show. And don’t forget to make dinner reservations at the Grand Lodge. You’ll enjoy every mouthful.
