Seeing A Young Bobcat While Horseback Riding

by Palin, Char & Annie
(New Mexico)

Young Bobcat Staring From Safety In The Juniper

Just today Palin said ''I have never seen a bobcat when we are riding.'' Chile Pepper had sniffed one up close a few years back, and still has the 4 parallel scars on his nose as proof! Occasionally the dogs chase one up a tree, but they are a rare site indeed.

Today as Palin, Char, and I were riding near Coyote Spring, suddenly the dogs came racing up the side of the steep arroyo right in front of the horses. First thought --chasing a squirrel! But suddenly there was a big rustle in the tree, and a very sweet young bobcat hanging on for dear life up high!

We made Palin promise not to say ''I have never seen a cougar when we are riding.''