It is late afternoon, and the sun is glowing through the tops of the Douglas firs. It is time for the mother cougar and her kits to venture out for the evening hunt. This particular scene shows an ecosystem with which I am very familiar. In fact, it surrounds our home. On the southwestern mountain slopes, which pick up the afternoon sun, one finds the Garry oak savannah and open parkland with grasses and wildflowers under the trees. In the valleys and northeastern slopes grow the Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock spruce. This blend is just right for the cougar family, providing shelter and cover for rest, plus open areas affording good vantage points. It is also a perfect place for cougar kits to play. - RB