TWO MOUNTAIN LIONS CONFIRMED IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA

Cougar Network News, 12/14/05

On October 29, 2005, Ron Mills, the manager of Black Mesa State Park, encountered two mountain lions traveling together in the park. They were apparently stalking several deer that were bedded near the residence. The larger cat went into the brush before Mr. Mills was able to get a photo, but he was able to get a good photograph of the second smaller cat as it walked away (see below). He later confirmed tracks made by the larger animal. Ron has been the park's manager since 2003.

Black Mesa State Park, established in 1959, is located in Cimarron County, the northwest sector of the Oklahoma Panhandle, northwest of Boise City on Highway #325. I consists of 549 acres of land, of which 259 acres are leased and 90 acres are owned by the state. Lake Carl Etling in the park is a 200 acre lake created by damming Carrizzo Creek. The Black Mesa itself is eight miles northwest of the park and is also a state park area. Lava from an extinct volcano created the rugged setting of the Black Mesa which is the highest point in Oklahoma, just short of 5000 feet above seal level. Bird watchers, rock and fossil hunters, archeology buffs, campers and anglers, and hikers frequent the park.   Smaller Cougar