Big Cat Attack

I have never felt fear of this kind since living in Texas. I was sitting in the living room when I heard the most horrifying screams come from the back of our property. Emery rushed out of the house only to find a big cat attacking our goat Licorice. Emery yelled at the cat and it climbed over the 4 ft stock panel like it was nothing and then climbed over the outer fence with the same agility. It had cornered Licorice in the barn, clawing and biting at her head. We called the police since the idea of a big cat in city limits is a bit frightening. Its not the first time we have heard of a big cat in this town, we heard tales of one, about 2 miles from here, many years ago. Our land backs up to some woods and I suspect it is coming from there. I doctored Licorice up and upon close inspection of the wounds, its not that bad, not into any muscle and it just missed her eyes. Everyone felt it best to not leave the goats in their barn or pen tonight, figuring the big cat will be back after tasting blood. We put the transport pen we use on the back of a pick-up, close to the house and have both goats in there for the night. They have plenty of room and we can keep a close watch on them. Needless to say we are a bit concerned for the barn cats, but there is no catching those little ones, they are not tame at all.

While Emery was off getting some wood to close up the openings in the barn, I stood out there alone, lantern in my hand and felt shivers go up my spine when I heard something move in the bushes. I coughed loudly and said a prayer. I felt that same kind of fear in Oregon when a mountain lion was crossing my path.

I know that the more we encroach on animals habitat, the more run ins we will have with them, but in the city limits you just don't expect this sort of thing. Granted, we are a stones throw from some pretty wild areas but....

So tonight I will sleep lightly, if I sleep at all, listening and worrying about my critters. The digging by the chicken pen I found two days ago that seemed a bit odd, now makes sense. I couldn't figure out who was doing the digging since it was a large area but not done by Harry.

This is one part of farm life that is not very nice. Praying for protection tonight ~

I am thankful for a brave husband who chased off a big cat.

a recent photo of Licorice, my gentle loving goat