Rover109

Last winter in Long Lake NY my father-in-law and I were walking down a logging road after a fresh snowfall and found tracks that looked like a mountain lion's. We called the DEC, and they sent out a biologist from Albany (about 2 hours away). His response? "Yes, sir, those are mountain lion tracks. However, there are no mountain lions in NYS."

I kid you not.

salty

maybe it's owner took his pet lion for a walk? did you see any leash drag marks or human tracks next to the lion prints?

Rover109

No human tracks next to it. There was a drag mark from the tail, as you'll see in mountain lion tracks. Also this was on a private road in a community of about 350 winter residents. One of those places where everybody is related. It makes the paper when somebody gets a new snowmobile, so if it was a pet the owner would be a local celebrity.

I see you're from Marlboro. Do you know the Pagnottas?

salty

Yes I do. I grew up in Marlboro but live 40 mins north now in Hurley. I lived in Marlboro for 28 years. A new ATV or Snowmobile purchase around here also makes our weekly newspaper and warrants drinks on Saturday night at the bar!

Rover109

I went to college with Paul and got to know a couple of his high school buddies a little bit, Zupe and Sweet. I'd be willing to bet Paul and his old man Dom will be out in the woods tomorrow morning.

Sylvan

Just curious as to how many people do you think believe you or take your story seriously vs. how many you think figure it's just bs and are laughing at you?

salty

I thought Dom died? wasn't he the HS science teacher? I had him as a teacher in school and he actually carried a pistol strapped to his ankle. I grew up about 1 mile from his house.

salty

I believe his story 100%. All joking aside. During snowmobile season in Tug Hill every bar you come across in the backwoods there is someone just after hunting season talking about a mountain lion or mountain lion tracks in the snow. I dare you to tell one of those locals that they must be blind! LOL that would be funny

Sylvan

So would you say most of the locals believe it? Why do you think the NYDEC doesn't believe it?

salty

not sure why the DEC wouldn't believe it.It was even in the newspaper up there a couple years back. Honesty I don't see it as that big of a deal. If they are in VT they can easily be in NY. There isn't a 20 ft tall fence around NY last I checked. They are free to roam wherever and whenever just like Moose do.

Put it this way. If the city of poughkeepsie in dutchess county have to chase a cow moose off of main street than I 150% believe there are mt lions in NY.