What are common mistakes made when tracking mountain lions in snow?

Insufficient Attention to Detail

When tracking mountain lions in snow, it’s crucial to slow down and examine the terrain carefully. A single misinterpreted sign can lead to a wasted day of tracking. Take the time to study the snow-covered terrain, looking for subtle patterns and faint tracks. Pay attention to the orientation of tracks, as mountain lions often follow game trails or contour lines. Use a magnifying glass or binoculars to examine distant tracks, and always follow the track with your eyes rather than relying on your memory.

Overreliance on Visual Cues

Mountain lions often deliberately avoid leaving tracks in areas with deep snow, instead using game trails or old paths to travel undetected. Overreliance on visual cues can lead to missed tracks, as the tracks may be invisible or obscured by snow. In such cases, use your knowledge of mountain lion behavior to anticipate alternative routes or denning sites. For example, in Utah, mountain lions often den in rocky outcroppings or under thick vegetation. Use your understanding of their behavior to inform your tracking decisions.

Understanding Snow Conditions

Mountain lions adapt their behavior to snow conditions, often traveling more at night when the snow is firmer. In deep snow, they may use a “snow anchor” technique, where they dig a shallow hole and then use the snow to anchor themselves before making a jump. Understanding snow conditions and how they affect mountain lion behavior is critical to successful tracking. Use your knowledge of snow conditions to anticipate where the mountain lion may travel and how it may move. For example, in areas with recent snowfall, look for areas where the snow is more compacted or where the mountain lion may have used a game trail.