[GJmcanvas]

FYI..

I have been hiking in NH for 40 + years and I frequently hike in the Ossipee Mountains and at 5:10 pm this evening on 9/30/13 I came within 25yds on an open part of the Mt Robert's trail to a Mountain Lion. I had just past the horse field where the trail turns right leaving the horse filed. As I was ascending up the inclined path I looked up and notice a large dark brown animal what looked at first like a chocolate lab but I soon realized what I was seeing was not a dog. So I stamped the ground with my foot as it was trotting up the trail ahead of me and it stopped and turned to look at me as I stopped and it squarely looked directly at me for 2-3 seconds. I have seen every species of wildlife in these wood in past 40+ years of being in them and I made no mistake in identifying this cat when it turned to look at me only 25 yard away on a clear will lit open path with no brush or branches hiding it. It did not perceive me to be a threat so it turned away and started trotting over the other side of the incline and it was gone out of sight before I reached the top as I continued my hike to Mt Roberts. On the way back I met two other hikers Patrick and Mat whom I showed the spot where I had seen the cat. I had recently read of another sighting at the Castle in the Forum "Moultonboro Speaks" but figured I'd never see it. I believe this could be the same cat and with the fish pond so close by it would not be surprising that it is finding food and hanging round the area. I mostly hike alone so I am always prepared to protect myself and I would suggest other hikers should be aware that when they hike in these mountains be aware there are real wild and untamed animals out there and most likely they will not bother you but you should always be prepared.

Greg Johns