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Every spring, shed hunters, trappers, hikers, anglers, and anyone else who likes wandering around the hills start putting miles on their boots again. It’s that time of year when folks are glassing hillsides for antlers and critters, checking traplines, or just enjoying a quiet walk in the woods.

Key Takeaways

An Idaho outdoorsman accidentally stumbled upon two mountain lions napping in the mountains.
The cats blended into the terrain so well they were hard to spot at first glance.
The encounter ended without any trouble, but it’s a reminder of how easily lions can go unnoticed.
Whether you’re shed hunting, hiking, scouting, or checking traps, paying attention to your surroundings matters.
Most of the time you won’t see a mountain lion even if one is nearby—but occasionally someone gets a close look at their camouflage.

But as one Idaho outdoorsman recently discovered, sometimes the hills are looking back at you.

An Idaho Outdoorsman’s “Wait… Is That a Lion?” Moment

Seth Patrick of Nampa, Idaho got quite a surprise while he was out in the mountains when he accidentally stumbled upon two mountain lions taking a nap. He shared some pictures and a video in a social media group. The cats blended in so well with the terrain that they were nearly impossible to spot at first glance.

When you’re scanning the ground for sheds, the last thing you expect to find is a pair of big cats snoozing in the sunshine. That’ll definitely wake you up faster than a cup of camp coffee.

Watch the Video

Mountain Lions Are Masters of Disappearing

Fortunately, the encounter ended without any trouble, but it really is a good reminder of how well these predators can disappear into their surroundings. Mountain lions are masters of camouflage, and it’s easy to walk right past one without ever realizing it was there.

At least he found a shed!

A Good Reminder for Spring Shed Hunting, Scouting, and Hiking

Here in Montana, we obviously have our fair share of lions roaming the backcountry, so it’s always smart to keep your head on a swivel when you’re out exploring. Whether you’re shed hunting, scouting for spring bear, checking traps, or just taking a hike, paying attention to your surroundings is never a bad idea.

Most of the time, you’ll never see a mountain lion even if one is nearby—but every once in a while, someone like Seth gets a front-row seat to just how well they blend in. And if you do happen to stumble across a pair of napping lions, chances are you’ll remember that day in the woods for the rest of your life.

FAQ: Mountain Lion Encounters While Shed Hunting or Hiking

Who shared the mountain lion photos and video?: Seth Patrick of Nampa, Idaho shared the pictures and a video in a social media group.
How many mountain lions were in the encounter?: He stumbled upon two mountain lions that were taking a nap.
Where did the encounter happen?: It happened while he was out in the mountains in Idaho.
Did anything bad happen during the encounter?: No—fortunately, it ended without any trouble.
Why were the lions hard to spot?: They blended in extremely well with the terrain, showing how strong their natural camouflage can be.
What’s the main lesson for shed hunters and hikers?: Pay attention to your surroundings and keep your head on a swivel—especially in areas where lions roam.
Is it common to see a mountain lion even if one is nearby?: Most of the time, you won’t see a mountain lion even if one is close.
What was Seth doing when he found the lions?: He was out in the mountains during springtime conditions when people are often shed hunting and covering ground.

Montana Outdoor

Idaho Shed Hunter Stumbles on Two Napping Mountain Lions—Can You Spot Them in the Photos?