22 Jul 1999 N.Z.: Big Big Cat
In mid August 1998, I was leaning against the DOC sign for the Young Australian mine at around 1400m in the Dunstan Range. I was scanning the hills on the opposite side of the gorge through the binoculars and sighted a large cat moving easily about its territory. It certainly appeared larger than our Labrador dog, dark orange-mustard in colour. I had it in my sights for 25 minutes.
The day was still, clear and cold. I watched the animal move up and down the steep slopes and lie out on exposed rocks. Its movements, its style, were pure cat. The animal was clearly comfortable with its habitat and its coat looked to be in good condition. Sheep grazing below did not appear to be aware of its presence. Soon after 4pm the temperature dropped significantly and I decided it was time to leave.
As I dropped down I kept the glasses on my mountain lion until the track led away from its territory. I made a formal report to DOC in Alexandra the next day with map references and since then have put up with the good-natured disbelief of friends. So, do we have one large North American type cat well able to traverse the distances between the two sightings or two large cats? Jim Walton Invercargill
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