Watch: Florida Woman Has Close Call with Cougar on Bridge

by
posted on April 1, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
woman_cougar_camera.jpg

Photo Courtesy Facebook Video

Hunters—outdoorsmen and women in general, really—occasionally have run ins with some of this planet's more dangerous creatures. Bears, wolves, big cats—anything's possible when you venture into the wilderness. That said, close calls with mountain lions aren't particularly common for anyone, given the big cat's tendency to avoid detection at all costs. Still, human/cougar interactions can and do occur, as one Florida woman learned in what assuredly was a scary moment. In a video posted to the Facebook page of one Tina Dorschel, a woman is walking along a wooden bridge/path in what the details say is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Fla. when she's accosted by one of the very large, very scary kitties.

A few seconds into the video, the camera operator pauses and starts whispering "Oh my God, oh my God." The viewer doesn't have to wait long to see what has her so agitated—a mountain lion (or panther, as Florida folks tend to prefer—they did name a hockey team after them, after all) comes barreling down the path toward her. The big cat seemed just as surprised and scared as whoever was behind the camera—it quickened its pace, nearly slamming into the rail of the bridge in doing so, and got out of there in an awful hurry. No one was harmed, though I'd wager the owner of the camera/phone was probably a little shaken up.

Check out the video for yourself and get a closer look—it's embedded below. Warning: There's some minor profanity involved as the cat approaches—not that I can blame anyone for that.

Latest

Ledefirst Case Of Cwd A
Ledefirst Case Of Cwd A

First Case of CWD Documented on the National Elk Refuge

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced on May 11 that for the first time chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been documented in Wyoming Elk Hunt Area 77, located on FWS-managed National Elk Refuge.

Range Review: Rock Island Armory PK-12 Pak-Out

This 18.5-inch barrel pump action from Rock Island armory folds in half for easier storage and transport. Check out B. Gil Horman's review of the PK-12 Pak-Out here.

New for 2026: Alps OutdoorZ DU Legacy Waterfowl Bag

For those seeking a classy field bag, the Alps OutdoorZ Ducks Unlimited Legacy Waterfowler’s Bag should be on their radar.

NRA Files Lawsuits Challenging Virginia's Assault Weapons and Magazine Bans

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has announced the filing of lawsuits in both Virginia state court and federal court challenging the so-called "assault weapons" ban and magazine ban signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Hog Hunting with Chef Holly: Hogs from Field to Table

Want to learn how to handle a hog from field to table? Listen to a chef who dedicated a summer to doing just that. Here’s what she learned about cleaning and cooking wild hogs.

First Look: Woox Bravado Grey Laminate Stocks

Woox has announced its new Bravado Grey Laminate line of stocks. These stocks are engineered for compatibility with Henry and Marlin lever-action rifles.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.