Ep 5. Stalking the Mountain Lion

Big Cat Week Collection season 1 episode 5, Stalking the Mountain Lion, takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the mountains of Western North America as they follow a team of experienced big cat trackers on their ability to track and observe the elusive mountain lion.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the mountain lion, one of the most powerful and stealthy predators in the world. Viewers are exposed to the cat's striking beauty, their golden fur, and the piercing eyes that hide their unquenchable hunger for prey.

Our hosts, led by seasoned big cat tracker Luke Hunter, trek through mountain terrain in search of a mountain lion. The team sets up cameras and collars to track the elusive predators in the wild. As the team waits and monitors, they discuss the danger of being out in the mountains, touching upon the environmental factors that can make it particularly difficult to predict where the mountain lion will travel.

The team winds their way up steep hills and rocky mountainsides, carefully avoiding the dangerous avalanche-prone areas. When they finally find a mountain lion fresh track, Luke and his team move slowly, meticulously. They take note of every possible boon within their range, using the tracks to create an accurate map of the lion's territory. The group discusses the biology of the mountain lion, giving the viewers a detailed knowledge of hunting habits, mating, and preference of prey.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the team comes across clear evidence of a kill site. They stay silent, whispering as they investigate the remains, theorizing about the size of the lion responsible. Luke analyses the debris discarded by the animal, the shadows, and the scent, analyzing strategies and tactics to hunt down the predator. They hope to catch a glimpse of the mountain lion at work, but they are not the only predators in the area.

The team was in luck; they encounter two adolescent male cougars, and they are quick to observe them in their natural habitat. The tension is high as the team carefully watches the adolescents at play - an impressive display of agility and speed as the two felines take turns chasing each other around. The playful cougars are not the primary objective of the team, but this encounter gives them insight into the nature of the cougar. It is exciting to watch the team manoeuvre themselves in the field, close enough to observe but far enough to avoid disturbing the cougars.

The raw beauty of the mountain slowly starts to unravel, as the team's cameras capture the elusive cat they have been searching for. The audience can finally see the magnificent specimen in action as he treks through rugged terrain. The team aims to get similar footage successfully, to learn about the mountain lion's hunting behaviour, but the predator is highly skilled at evading detection.

As nighttime approaches, the team completes their final preparations to catch the elusive mountain lion in action. Equipped with a series of special cameras, they intend to mount the equipment directly above the kill site. They set up remote motion-activated trap cameras and pile of bait, drawing the mountain lion to the area. The expectation is high. However, wildlife is unpredictable, and the team understands that the mountain lion's arrival may not occur that night.

Big Cat Week Collection season 1 episode 5, Stalking the Mountain Lion, is a fascinating and thrilling showcase of the impressive skills and knowledge required to track and observe one of the world's most elusive predators. The team demonstrates expertise in their knowledge of hard work, tough trails, climbing rugged outcrops, seeking shelter from storms, and finding the best way to observe the mountain lion. Viewers will be taken on a captivating journey as Luke and his team track the mountain lion and gain an insight into its elusive nature in the hope of catching a glimpse of North America's most amazing predator in the wild.