On July 3rd I visited Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Hiking a loop up and around Stonewall Peak, down towards the lake and back up towards the trailhead. Looking for signs of mountain lions and places that I could potentially photograph them is always exciting, but along the way I made some friends who were really excited to be part of my adventures that day. The area is known for mountain lion activity and could possibly help answer some of the questions I have about them.
My Search for Mountain Lions
Project: PC001
In the search of mountain lions here in southern California has lead me on a fun journey of natural discovery. Every time I step off from the trailhead to go check trail cam footage, I make sure to stay aware of the other amazing plant and animal species that share areas with these big cats. It brings me a clear view into an area, the resources available in the ecosystem and of course the ability to capture the ever changing beauty of the area.
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(above) This is the first footage on the trail camera that provided me proof that the signs I had been marking were in fact that of a mountain lion. This shows the mountain lion, becoming known as PCPM001, utilizing a scrape that we will eventually learn is a frequented spot
(below) This video is of the same lion, using the same trail system. As PCPM001 makes their way through the area, there is a string of scrapes that they will use along their journey.
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The extremely shy and elusive mountain lion has been captivating me for over two decades now. When I was a young kid there was a local farmer that had watched, what he thought was a large dog at the time, make a six foot vertical jump to the top of a boulder. There was murmur of concern throughout the community and parents were weary of their kids playing outdoors in the rural countryside. I grew up in Iowa and mountain lion sightings were big news. Most of the time it ended with someone killing the lion. It was then that I learned fear was the driving force of people's actions towards these predators. I want to shed light on their beauty and importance in our habitats. I look to share more of my journey with mountain lions in my blog, Into the Spires.
Mark your calendars! Sunday, August 13th I will be at the Judith A. Bassett Candid Education and Conservation Center holding mini sessions. These are 30 minute sessions and are a perfect way to get up to the center and meet some of their amazing ambassadors!
There is a lot of time, effort and expense that goes into creating images and working towards conservation goals that protect the wild places we visit. It would be an honor to have my work displayed in your home as a way to keep doing this work!
Diurnal Moon - Gallery Canvas Wrap
Coming in close to Earth, the moon becomes visible during daylight hours. This phenomenom creates beautiful imagery when viewed in the solitude of nature.
