OT: Is this a mountain lion

[joosttx]

This morning was the shake down ride on my new 44 bike that is awesome but hang on. While riding up Mt Tam I came across what I first thought was a bobcat on the trail. It was eating something and then trotted up the hill and stopped. I stopped about 100ft away from it to take some pictures. It was smaller than an adult mountain lion but its shape and gate reminded me of mountain lions. I assumed it was a big bobcat. However, after reviewing the pictures I took, I now am thinking it is a mountain lion perhaps a juvenile. Any thoughts? The blown up picture I lighten up too. The last picture is of my new 44 MTB. It is rad.

[BikeNY]

What kind of tail did it have?

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by BikeNY

What kind of tail did it have?

did not see. Obviously, that would be a tell.

[shoota]

Sure looks like a mountain lion to me.

[bigbill]

I vote mountain lion based on the profile. I see bobcats all the time and they don't have that shape.

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by bigbill

I vote mountain lion based on the profile. I see bobcats all the time and they don't have that shape.

thats my sense to. Also it moved more like a mountain lion than a bobcat. the local FS are taking a look at the pictures now.

[jtakeda]

Wow. I’m pretty certain that’s a mountain lion.

I’ve never seen one while riding

[Andy sti]

Scary if it's a mountain lion. Never know if mama is around.

The new bike is super rad! Those rear stays are so short - love it. 130mm fork? 66 ht angle?

[OtayBW]

Chupacabra....

[Steve in SLO]

Originally Posted by jtakeda

Wow. I’m pretty certain that’s a mountain lion.

I’ve never seen one while riding

But they've probably seen you.
Voting mountain lion, too, based on scale, and that you usually cannot see much air under a sitting bobcat.

[texasbbq]

I'm saying bobcat. A damn big bobcat though. Ear shape and spine to me say bobcat. I'd like to hear what authorities say.
Coo bike!

[smead]

Yep looks like a large adult bobcat to me. Cougar cubs have spots only when very young .. Beautiful animal - great shot!

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by bigbill

i vote mountain lion based on the profile. I see bobcats all the time and they don't have that shape.

+1

[Ken Robb]

I think the head looks too small for a juvenile mountain lion. The body looks to be a large, muscular bobcat. If this was a juvenile cougar that would grow more then the head would be way too small for an even bigger body.

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by Steve in SLO

But they've probably seen you.
Voting mountain lion, too, based on scale, and that you usually cannot see much air under a sitting bobcat.

+1
head-size relative to body as well.....