| During the past 20 years I have seen several small long tailed cats in the southeren end of Midland County. To be exact within a 5 mile radius of junction of F.M. 1788 and F.M. 1787. I never got more than a glimpse @ a time, but could tell that the cats were neither house cats nor bobcats. Most of these sightings were late @ night during service runs in the oil field. Last June I was out right after sunrise and saw a cat less than 50 yards ahead in the middle of a 2 rut ranch road. He appeared to be around 30" - 36" tall in general, but it appeared that his rear end stood taller than his front shoulders. His tail was as long as his body and he had a small distinct head. His coat was generally rough looking and was dark mottled in color. He had the appearance of being very fast and lean and his flanks were tucked as seen in the fast cats of Africa. I am convinced that he was a Jaguarundi after study of pictures found on internet sights. The only thing that bothers me is that he was larger in size than what the average Jaguarundi is described to be. I am a long time outdoorsman and hunter. I also majored in wildlife science @ NMSU until midway Senior year so I am not one to amplify or exaggerate. I wander if this cat could be a cross between a Cougar and Jaguarundi, or some sub-species of one or the other. I can almost imagine that this cat could be confused w/ some of the Black Panther sightings reported through the years. Has anyone else seen what I have described? |
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