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

013 TRH350 B5 Gunammo 01
013 TRH350 B5 Gunammo 01

Range Review: Taurus 350 Legend Raging Hunter

The Taurus .350 Legend Raging Hunter is a gentle giant, managing to packs a serious punch without breaking your wrist. Read on for a full review on this weighty wheelgun.

New for 2026: ATN ThOR 6 Elite

ATN Corp has launched the ATN ThOR 6 Elite. Powered by an all-new 6th Generation thermal engine and ATN's proprietary SharpIR AI image enhancement technology, the ThOR 6 Elite was designed from the ground up for hunters of all stripes.

First Look: Hornady American Whitetail 400 Legend

Hornady has released 400 Legend 210 grain InterLock ammunition in the American Whitetail line.

The .44 (4) You—An Exploration of .44 Magnum Platforms

Andi Bogard takes a tour through .44 land—from handhelds to levers and beyond—to find the flavor that fits your focus.

First Look: Remington's 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife

Remington is proud to announce the availability of its 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife: King of the Mountain. This collector-focused release continues Remington's long-running Bullet Knife tradition and is now shipping to dealers nationwide.

New for 2026: Woox High Grade American Walnut Stocks

Woox, manufacturers of Italian-American made gunstocks, axes and knives, has introduced a new "High Grade" line of stocks.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.