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Mountain Lions Are Agressive, And Other Myths

Plus... unicorns in Arizona?

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Mountain lions are dangerous.

That can definitely be true, however, there are a whole lot of myths and misconceptions when it comes to these animals. And, like many other animals (bears, snakes, gators… even bison), these misconceptions can fuel fear and discourage understanding. In today’s newsletter, we speak to a large mammal expert who’s been working with human-cougar interactions for years, and he helps us separate some fact from fiction when it comes to these incredible creatures.

And the myth-busting doesn’t end there. In today’s send, we’ll also chat with a popular urologist, who gives us the truth about holding your pee in the winter – does it make you colder? Oh, and a unicorn in Arizona? Myth? Reality? Scroll down to find out.

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There’s a Lot of Myths About Mountain Lions—Let’s Clear Some Up

Also known as cougars, pumas, panthers, and catamounts, mountain lions are fast, powerful, and mysterious predators. Massive paws, sharp teeth, and the reflexes of a cat are indeed enough to strike fear into the heart of a hiker, but like many wild creatures, from moose to bears, cougars are misunderstood.

Why? Probably because of how little the average outdoors person knows about these animals and how they’re portrayed in modern media, explains Mat Alldredge, a mammals researcher for Colorado Parks and Wildlife who specializes in carnivores like mountain lions. And thanks to Alldredge’s nearly 18 years of catching, tagging, and researching animals, including studying cougar-human interactions, there are plenty of misconceptions he’d like to correct about these majestic animals.

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Kennebunkport Captains Collection

Comprised of four houses, each with their own unique design style, the Kennebunkport Captains Collection is an ideal retreat in coastal Maine. Just a short stroll from Dock Square, these historic structures were once home to a family of sea captains, and now comprise a 45-room complex where everyone will find something for them. With many great restaurants, many of which are on the water, and plenty of history, as well as a number of cute boutiques, this idyllic town is the perfect setting for a getaway.

Will ‘Holding It’ Make Me Colder? A Urologist Bursts This and Other Pee-Related Winter Myths

Winter is a stunning season for spending time outside. The landscape sparkles with fresh snow, there are far fewer folks on once-crowded trails, and views are often spectacularly different than in warmer months. With the cold comes plenty of myths, though, not the least of which have to do with your bladder.

So we chatted with Dr. Martha Boone, one of the first 100 women board-certified in urology and the author of the recently released The Unfettered Urologist, who has 35 years of experience in the field, to straighten out a few myths about how your bladder and the cold may (or may not) be related.

‘Unicorn’ Spotted in Arizona

The sighting of a one-horned creature was captured on the park’s cameras, much to the surprise of wildlife rangers. Under the glow of a magnificent full moon, the animal’s distinct single horn gave it the appearance of a mythical being.

Patrick Hendry - Annika's Yuki

Find Something for Every Outdoors Adventurer on Your Holiday List

Whether you’re shopping for the avid hiker, camping enthusiast, or adventure-lover on your list, finding the perfect gift feels like it’s getting tougher. From backpacks to tents to clothing essentials, the gear and apparel options are endless, and so are all the emails and ads. The Outdoors holiday gift guide is designed to navigate through the noise and help you discover new products and find the right item based on your budget.

Our team of writers and editors have broken down gift recommendations into a variety of price points: from gifts under $100 all the way up to higher ticket items above $500 (sometimes way above). From stocking stuffers to high-value items they’ll treasure for years, we’ll highlight some great gear upgrades, multi-functional pieces, and handy tools that will get used all season long. By gift type or price, we hope you’ll find the ideal present for the outdoor enthusiast on your list and inspire someone’s next big adventure.

 

⛺️ The Packing List

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Featured Guide: The Best Hiking Water Bottles You Can Buy Right Now

Having trouble finding a good hiking water bottle? You need something sturdy and relatively lightweight, ideally without being too bulky. We’ve done our research and are committed to helping you find the best hiking water bottle on the market.

Weighing the pros and cons of the market’s current favorite water bottles, we’ll make sure you can pick the right one for you.

The Nalgene Wide Mouth Ultralite is our top pick for a hiking water bottle, as it is lightweight, inexpensive, and holds up to 32 ounces of water at a time.

There are other options, but we’ve done the groundwork for you, which should make choosing your favorite water bottle as easy as a cold drink on a hot day.

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