Meet the Parents?

Along with the too-cute cub, 2-3 different adult cougars were also caught on the cams.

One heavily scarred individual at the same location as Simba CA, but 8 days later:







And another 1-2 individuals that did a few drive-bys at a nearby boulder-side cam - once with 3 photos by night 19 days after Simba, and once with 4 photos by day 2 more days after that:







Note that the above lion has a similar gestalt to the scarred cat, but I can't see much in the way of scars in the high res versions of the photos to connect them.

In fact, the body shape seems to better match the wet kitty 2 days later that seemed to be looking for a place to get out of the rain, and perhaps paused for a spray:









As for sex, the scars and shoulders on the first lion suggest territory-holding male, and the sleekness of the second/third maybe a younger lion and/or a female. But those profiles aren't perfect. And, if the second was the mom, you'd think cubs would be visible in a shot or two.

Appears the mystery of Simba's lineage will remain unsolved. For now.

====
References:

• Nature of a Man (this blog) - The Total Poser
• Nature of a Man (this blog) - posts on cam trapping the Tehachapis

=========