1. Photo below taken on full zoom, +/- 468 ft. from Vicki.
Distance measured by Paul Hamelin
Photo 1
Photos from Vicki Combs.  She took these pictures while walking with her dog at camp near the Steam Mill Brook WMA in Walden on June 10, 2007.  She spotted the animal a long distance ahead of her. She zoomed with digital camera, took 1 photo, then a second on full zoom (at right). Animal stopped, sat for a moment, then walked slowly off road into brush. She said it was about the size of her 80 pound dog (or maybe 70 pounds).
Photo 2

2. WOW!
Photo 2

3. But it’s all about scale……….
Photo 2
Replica Photo
But it’s all about scale……….
Photo at right taken with same camera (Vicki’s) 21 days later, using a tripod, from the exact spot she took photo at left. Life-size cardboard cougar replica placed as close as discernable to exact spot as animal in photo at left. Note head sizes. Replica provided by Paul Hamelin, replica placement by Paul Hamelin with assistance from Vicki Combs, replica photo by Clark Combs. Tall grass in left photo foreground was trimmed to ground level for right photo.

4. Cardboard cougar replica shoulder ht. = 27 inches.
Cougar: avg. shoulder ht. = 27 inches
+/ in.?
Photo 2
Replica Photo
Cardboard cougar replica shoulder ht. = 27 inches.

5. Replica photo 2 taken at almost full zoom
Vicki’s 80 lb dog
+/ inches
Replica photo 2 taken at almost full zoom
Original photo 1 for reference.