TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Are there really mountain lions living in or near Bakersfield? For years many people on the bike path (running from east Bakersfield thru town and ending out on Enos Lane) have reported seeing an occasional one of the tawny beasts while hiking or cycling along the old Kern River Flood Channel. Most sightings were pooh-poohed by experts as being those of bobcats or domestic animals, but mountain lions? Come on now.

Although lions are extremely difficult to view regularly because of their camouflaged pelt, wary nature and nocturnal ways, too many of these sightings tell me that even the so-called experts can be wrong.

Bobcats are rather small creatures, barely bigger than a domestic cat in most instances, but often weighing up to 30-pounds and even a bit heavier. A mountain lion, on the other hand, can weigh upwards of 200 pounds (or larger, in rare instances), but most sag the scales from 80-150-pounds, on average.

The big difference in the two cousins, besides size, is that the big cats have a long, easily visible tail, while bobcats are born with short nubby tails, much like a Manx cat has. It would be difficult to miss these rather obvious differences between the two felines, believe me.

Of course, some people do have huge imaginations that can conjure up all sorts of demons, which might account for some of the so-called big cat events. However, I just don't buy all of the experts' "their imagination got in the way of what they really saw" defense.

Recently, local hunter Keith Holloway, while not actually seeing a live lion, took convincing pictures of the tracks of a large cat out on the old drainage. The pictures made a true believer out of me, once and for all.

While I would not necessarily quit using the bike path, I would suggest that people stay alert, especially when walking their animals. The only reasons for a lion to show its face where a human being can see it is directly related to how hungry it is --remember that. If you do see one, let me know, will you?

Boat, RV, outdoor show

With more than 250 booths and tons of interesting things to see and do, this year's 35th Annual Central California Sportsmen's Boat, RV and Outdoor Living Show at the Kern Fairgrounds seems to be the place to be Friday through Sunday.

The event includes an Open Junior Rodeo team roping competition, a super cruise car show, sand drags and the ever popular kids' trout pond. For the first time, fly fishermen will vie for prizes during the fly casting contest, along with the fly tying theater.

Also, for the first time, Berkley Fishing Products will be on board for the kids' fishing tournament. Adult and youth archery enthusiasts will be able to shoot for fun and competitively, while dog trainers strut their animals' hunting/retriever/pointer talents in front of the crowds.

If you're looking for hunting and fishing equipment, the event will showcase the newest gear on the market. Folks looking for the perfect outdoor-related destinations will be able to find many guides, outfitters, lodges and money saving promotions. Outdoor living accessories, barbecues and backyard island exhibitors will impress even the most difficult with their wares.

The outdoor theater will once again star a host of celebrity and local fishing talent. These people will be putting on impressive seminars dealing with things like professional bass fishing, local lake fishing, waterfowl hunting and other outdoor subjects aired with a personal touch from those in the know.

Tulare Basin Wetlands event set

The Tulare Basin Wetlands Association's 16th annual fund raising banquet is set for March 9 at the Elk's Club here in town. Contact Jim Delmater at (661) 327-1486 or Dennis Slater at (661) 444-0407 for more information on this can't-miss event that promotes waterfowl habitat in the Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties.

Clay shoot scheduled

The Bakersfield Police Activities League will auction and raffle off more than $15,000 worth of quality guns, hunts, TVs, Dinners and sporting event tickets on March 10 during their spectacular 2nd Annual Sporting Clays Tournament at the Kern County Gun Club.

Sponsored by Weatherford International, Pyramid Oil, S.C. Anderson, Golden West Casino and Walmart, the event benefits after-school and summer youth programs for at-risk youth.

Contact the Bakersfield Police Activity League for more information on this worthwhile cause.