Hi from Portland, OR

[IRONFISH45]

My point about the Cougar death (only one human death) is that the problematic cats are STARVING and that is why two or three people have been attacked.

Reports are saying it "looked" like a cougar attack. The womans backpack was not torn, so maybe she stopped to eat and the cat wanted her food, a fight... The cats have been hunted to almost extinction.

The whole situation makes me sad. My niece and nephew live in the area and attend school near the attack. Kids are now escorted everywhere.

Gotta be careful of little kids in the true wilderness. Two years ago a tree came down in a BLM park and killed a little guy and injured his cousin. We do have bears and Bob Cats so be very aware with little kids. Animals will go after little humans, adult size people are not normally at risk but tiny people are.

[Latherdome]

Two fatal cougar attacks this year in nearby Cascades: SJ up north was friend of a friend. He was killed outright and partially eaten by the cat (yeesh!). The lady apparently fought off the attack, having mace, stick, and a "sharp object", but later died of her wounds. ODFW officials have shot one cougar spotted on a trail camera only feet from where the lady's backpack was found. DNA confirmation that it was the attacking cat is pending. Meanwhile they continue to hunt for more in the area.

I haven't read any evidence that these cats were starving. The one up north was underweight, but hardly at death's door. I see plenty of deer, their normal prey. Hunted almost to extinction? There are an estimated 6,600 in Oregon!

I considered myself cautious before, but now I will be EXTRA cautious moving alone dawn or dusk out there, or just hunker down.

[TallPaul]

Now that we’ve got you on seriously on edge about hammock camping in the PNW... Welcome!

Beautiful place - I wish I was into hammocks when i lived out there. Seems like a perfect match.

[Staleym]

Hey there JCase! I just joined a week or so ago. Have been lurking and learning from Shug also. I too am from Portland. Maybe our paths will cross soon and we can share a cup of coffee around a yellow flame.

[JCase]

I'd love that! Regarding the yellow flame, I've been using a woodgas stove, but am planning to make a capillary hoop stove, too (for those blue flame moments). Tetkoba's look pretty great: https://www.youtube.com/user/tetkoba