This is an exceptionally rare sight. Mountain lions are typically crepuscular, meaning they're most active during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk. But in places like California, some of these big cats adapt to a nocturnal lifestyle, as this one clearly has tonight.

The primary reason they operate at these off-peak hours is to avoid detection—by both humans and prey. So, simply seeing a mountain lion cross the road in front of you is already an extraordinary encounter. But witnessing that same lion immediately hunt, kill, and drag off a large raccoon for a late-night meal? That’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime moment that sits somewhere between getting struck by lightning and winning the lottery.

It’s just really, really cool—that’s all I’m trying to say. Sometimes I get a little carried away with metaphors. Also, I added music to this video since it was submitted without sound… not sure if it works better with or without, but hey, that ship has sailed.

[📹 christinascrittersca]