Rare and Beautiful.

Mountain lion

Jo says people argue about whether there are any mountain lions left here in the Adirondacks. That’s how rare they are, since they were once hunted to near extinction. This poor creature is so sick and may be dying. I hope not! 

We all want to know why this mama cat has all the symptoms of leukemia. Jo says it can result from drinking toxic ground water or eating smaller animals that are poisoned with weed-killing chemicals. If that’s true, what a horrible tragedy. 

It’s kind of a huge wake-up call, all the wild animals that are showing up in Jo’s vet clinic here that show signs of possible poisoning. Salamanders, coyote pups, and now this beautiful female mountain lion. 

I know we’re not supposed to get attached to any of the animals in the clinic. But how can I not love this incredible animal? How can I not hate what’s happening to her, if she’s been poisoned by chemicals we’re using that are affecting even this supposedly pristine wilderness?