That is amazing. Maybe it sounds a bit geeky, but to stand where a cougar once was must've been an awesome experience. When I went to the Out of Africa park down in the Valley and got to see the beautiful cougars they keep there, it totally made my day . . . week . . . <i>month</i>. There's just something more peaceful and serene about seeing only tracks, though. Tracks are fascinating.

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Yeah, it was a neat experience! I remember kneeling down (while being cautious of my surroundings) and placing my hand inside the tracks, just to compare size. My hand was about as big as the paw prints, and if I made a fist, I think it fit inside of them. Anyway, they were pretty big!

On another hike at the same place (but different trail), there were well-defined cougar tracks along an entire trail. It was awesome to be following cougar tracks while hiking. ^^

That is incredible. Makes me want to take up hiking again, even though I'm pretty sure we don't have many cougars out my way. I've taken up exercising again, so maybe I'll reward myself sometime with a hike.

You should! Getting outdoors and hiking is great ^^ ... although I realize it's quite hot this time of year, especially in AZ, but maybe an early morning or evening hike when it has cooled down some would be nice.

As far as cougars out there, you might be surprised. There may not be many but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if there were some. They're very adaptable creatures y'know? ; )

Early morning is when I would usually hike. Always the best time because there are less bugs, less heat, and the rising sun really makes it all more rewarding. Plus, that's when a lot of wildlife is fairly active.

I know there are at least a few cougars in the area, since I've heard screaming before, and there have been sightings. Mostly in the more forested areas, though. It would be incredible to find tracks somewhere nearer to me.