A Cougar????

Well, the snow is slowly melting. Hate seeing it go! I found what appears to be.........cougar tracks going across our front yard, towards the road, close to the mailbox!! Also a lot of deer tracks and probably skunk as well! Our hemlock trees must be the gathering place! LOL  I do know there has been a cougar in our area, it was seen a little over a year ago by my brother and my mom, and several others. So, he must still be roaming. These tracks are HUGE........measuring around 4" by 5 1/2". No claw marks, just pads, so everything we've researched directs us towards it being a cougar. Evidently the tracks have been there for just a bit, most were kinda melting and looked like snow had blown over them somewhat, however the main one we noticed was still in pretty decent shape, but started melting quickly with today's sun. It's exciting, although a bit scary too. Of course, now the kids are like freaked out, scared to death and afraid of every noise they're hearing!! LOL  Maybe now that explains why the dogs get into such barking frenzies at night sometimes...........it's hard telling just what's out here roaming the yard at night!!!!
Amy