In an exciting encounter, two backpackers had a rare sighting of a cougar in Olympic National Park. This remarkable experience was captured on video by Rusty Wadleigh, who shared it on Instagram, prompting discussions about unnoticed wildlife encounters. The discovery startled both adventurers, as they had not anticipated spotting a cougar during their hike.
Backpackers’ Unforgettable Cougar Encounter
Wadleigh expressed his astonishment, saying this event was unforeseen and not included on his “backpacking Bingo card.” He remarked, “Cannot imagine a better capstone to a rainy Olympic NP backpacking trip than @laceyjfaught spotting this cougar on our hike back.”
A Surreal Moment
His hiking companion, Lacey Faught, described the moment as a “chance of a lifetime.” The experience impacted them profoundly, leaving them discussing the encounter for hours afterward.
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Participants: Rusty Wadleigh and Lacey Faught
- Event: Cougar sighting during backpacking trip
- Social Media: Video shared on Instagram
Reflections on Wildlife Encounters
As Wadleigh and Faught reflected on their experience, one social media user commented on the mysterious presence of mountain lions, pondering how many might have seen them during hikes without recognition.
This encounter highlights not only the beauty of Olympic National Park but also the wildlife that residents and adventurers might overlook. Such moments remind us of the importance of awareness and appreciation for nature while exploring the great outdoors.
