The Story of

Cougar Joe

Vacations have a way of flying by like gusts of wind. They arrive fast ... they disappear fast. There were just four of us this year. My husband, two daughters, myself. We were packed and ready to head back home to Spokane the next morning, but we had one day left to play. Home base was Orogrande, Idaho.

The Nipple Nut Fire Lookout

I had been hearing stories about this magnificent creature, Cougar Joe. He was somewhere in the area of Dixie and Red River. We hadn't been around 'the loop' this year, so this was the perfect time to go and look him up. The loop is leaving Orogrande by way of the Penman Mines, through the Deep Creek Meadows, Dixie Ranger Station, Dixie, Red River Ranger Station, Red River Hot Springs, Elk City, and back to Orogrande.

Lunch was packed and off we went. This trip is filled with such a variety of things to do and see that one could spend at least a week and still not see it all.

The Big Creek Meadows has a beauty of it's own and is worth camp out time. The herds of sheep go there in the summertime and graze the meadow. The sheepherders have fascinating stories to share, and watching the dogs caring for their herd is a treat. One must watch out for the coffee offered. One cup may put you on a high for the rest of the day. The creek is small, but mighty. It's filled with pan sized fish for your dinner.

 Below is an old picture of Red River Ranger Station

Stopped at Dixie and walked through the old cemetery. Something we always do as it is so unique and takes one back in time and history. We asked at the lodge how to find the big cat. He was with the couple who raised him somewhere close to Red River. We were to watch for a sign, "Beware of Cougar."

Didn't take us long to locate the sign, but if one wasn't looking for it, it would be passed up.

Needless to say, we were all a little cautious about starting up the trail that led to the little cabin. We were surrounded by tall, pine pole trees ... so close together they looked as if they holding one another up as they whispered and danced in the breeze. The girls were hanging close to dad and being quiet for a change. All one could hear were the trees and cameras bouncing around on our hips. I was beginning to feel excited, but also felt we were treading on sacred land. No sign of the cat I knew he was watching us, but couldn't see him anywhere. The couple appeared on the porch and invited us in for iced tea. We said we came to ask if we might take some pictures of their cougar. They pointed at the rafters in the woodshed. There sat Cougar Joe gazing straight into my eyes. Oh, what a handsome creature. From that moment on I felt a special relationship between this animal and myself.

I stayed outside awhile taking some shots, while the others went into the cabin. Cougar Joe had watched our approach all the way up from the car. They told us if he didn't like who was walking up the trail, he would trot off into the trees and wouldn’t come back until they were gone. I would never forget those eyes, the soft fur, and the huge paws. He never once moved. We just shared the moments together.

The story goes that the mother had been shot and this one babe was beside her when they found him. They took him home and raised him as a pet. The people around didn't like the idea of having this wild one so close all the time, so they had to be careful. I not to cause a lot of attention with tourists etc. Seems everyone has been taught one can never tame any wild spirit of the mountains.

When we left, the cougar wasn't anywhere in sight. The man told me I would see him again and

even might be lucky enough to be escorted back to the car. The girls and their dad hurried back to the car. I lingered behind. I wanted to see this wild being again. Before long I could hear the crackle of twigs on the left side of me. There he was on his own private pathway. Those big paws crept ever so gently on his way down. So graceful. I was enjoying the feeling of kinship between the two of us.

When we came to the end of this journey, Cougar Joe sat down and waited. He had brought me as far as he was going to go. Everyone was waiting in the car and we were soon driving down the road. I looked back and thanked him for letting me into his world for that short time. He was still sitting there. Then all I could see was his shadow in a mist of dust. Thank you Cougar Joe!

The Orogrande Ice Wagon

The following summer we returned with the pictures. They were so happy to get them as that winter someone shot the big cat. The tug of my heart was almost unbearable. Someone had taken the life of a mountain spirit.

Inside the cabin we were introduced to two rowdy kittens. Joe had left his legacy. Our visit was short as our boots were being attacked and we still needed them awhile longer. They were cute, rough and tough, but would never have the power nor the dignity of Cougar Joe.

As before, I lingered behind. I felt the need to say good bye alone. I could feel the deep silence ... the stillness ... I heard the breaking of twigs to the left of me ... I could hear the tread of those big paws. I knew the great cat was once again escorting me homeward. I felt his spirit calling out to anyone who would listen ... he was sharing his energy telling all that the land, animals, humans, must share this world and not breed fear of one another. We were all one.

I knew I would never return. Through tears I looked back ... there sat Cougar Joe ... he was watching us leaving ... the ghost of the mighty cat will forever stand guard over his sacred land.

Good bye Cougar Joe!

Thank You!

Neysa Le