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

LEDE Fightlight Herring Model 2024
LEDE Fightlight Herring Model 2024

#SundayGunday: Fightlite Industries Herring Model 2024

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Fightlight Industries Herring Model 2024 Lever Action. A modern take on the classic western design, the Herring Model 2024 is almost like a combination of lever action and AR-platform rife, and there’s a reason for that. Designed to leverage the huge aftermarket in AR parts, the Herring utilizes off-the-shelf AR bolts, barrels and barrel extensions, and of course, magazines. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Will More States Protect Hunting in Their State Constitutions?

Nearly half of the states—24 to be precise—have some form of constitutional protections for hunting. When you consider that all 50 states have hunting seasons, just under half sounds low. This could change this year, as Ohio’s Senate is considering a proposal to establish a constitutional right to fish and hunt.

RCBS Sponsorship to Help Expand Youth Hunting Opportunities

RCBS, a leading manufacturer of precision reloading equipment, is sponsoring efforts by Pass It On—Outdoor Mentors to expand its outdoor mentoring program. Through the partnership, RCBS will support the organization’s mission of pairing young people, many of them first-time hunters, with trained volunteers who provide hands-on experiences in hunting, shooting sports and conservation education.

Muzzleloader Turkey Tips

Looking to load up a black-powder scattergun to take a turkey this season? Here are a few tips for smoking gobblers the old way, with Mike Roux.

New for 2026: Badlands Air Series

When temperatures climb and the miles stack up, staying cool becomes critical. With this reality in mind, Badlands has introduced its new Air Series, a collection of ultralight hunting apparel designed specifically for warm-weather environments and high-activity hunts.

Range Review: Bond Arms Rustic Ranger

This double-barrel pistol from Bond Arms provides a touch of class along with rugged reliability. Read on for B. Gil Horman's thorough review.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.