Feline Mystery

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — A suspicious breed of felines seems to be creeping around Orange Beach, as more reports of a catlike creature come in to City Hall.
Sightings of what appears to be a cross of a Bobcat and feral cat have grown with the opening of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail.
“We always get a lot of reports of large cats and Bobcats, and we see a lot of Bobcats,” Coastal Resource manager Phillip West said. “But lately we’ve seen and had a couple of reports and even a picture of a long tailed version of a Bobcat that appears to us to be a hybrid.”
Bobcats are characteristically known to have short tails and are larger than a house cat. The creature described has a long tail, is bigger than a domesticated cat, but is smaller than a Bobcat.
West said the production of a mixed species of cat and Bobcat is uncommon and possibly a rare happening.
However, the wide range of sightings has led West to believe there’s a possibility of a litter of these cats roaming in Orange Beach.
He said he spotted one at the head of the trail on Highway 161 and a second report came in from a resident who saw one near the Gulf State Park Golf Course. The distance between the two suggests there is more than one lurking.
Hugh Branyon, Gulf State Park superintendent, said he has seen a great deal of the cat species Jaguarundi — another rare form of feline found on the island.
West explained the city has received calls of Cougars and black Panthers, which are highly uncommon in the area. He said what people are probably seeing is a Jaguarundi. A Jaguarundi is small and lean and can have a grey, red or brown coat. Originating from South America, the cat made a migration through Mexico and into the United States, according to Branyon.
The first recordings of a Jaguarundi on the Gulf Coast came in the 1950s and, because of their nocturnal habits, they haven't been easily found in the last 50 years. “I’ve seen several in the 35 years I’ve been here,” Branyon said. West and Branyon said both the Jaguarundi and the possible hybrid have not posed a threat to the public, and there has been no incidents involving the cats and humans.
West said he sent a picture of the hybrid cat to the Alabama Department of Conservation.
“They were just puzzled,” West said.
The public is encouraged to call in sightings to the city, at 981-6979 or the park at 948-7275.

Vacation Budget Tips from Ms. Beachin'

Renting a condo instead of a hotel room can help you stay within your budget. Condos offer more space for less cost per night for you and your family. Although there is always the urge to eat out while vacationing, you can save a lot of your hard earned dollars by eating a few meals in each day.

I am not much of a breakfast eater and while on vacation my family doesn’t always wake up at the same time. Cereal, muffins and fruit salad offer an easy answer to the question “what’s for breakfast?” A bowl of Special K seems even more special sitting on the balcony watching dolphins swimming by in the Gulf of Mexico. A breakfast buffet can be as much as $9 per person, eating in will allow you to purchase a few extra souvenirs.

Blalocks Seafood in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers a great take out seafood dinner at a reasonable price. Dinner to go consists of 3 pounds of steamed shrimp (no cooking required), a quart of bisque (just heat it up), smoked tuna spread with crackers and a loaf of the best French bread in the area. There is enough to feed six and the price is only $50. Throw a few steaks on the grill and enjoy.

A new produce stand has opened near Hope’s Cheesecake named Island Produce. Last season it was just a little stand off a back road in Ft Morgan. This year they expanded. It is family owned and each morning the owners drive to local farms in the area and pick up fresh produce. The corn, blueberries and peaches will make your taste buds smile. After eating a healthy salad stop by Hopes and pick up dessert … after all you’re on vacation.

February Fishing Report from Capt. Randy Boggs

Red snapper are being caught on all of the wrecks and natural bottom as catch and release. We saw a couple of red snapper walking along the beach trying to get a way from all the ones in the water.

Vermilion snapper are being caught in the 115’ depths and deeper on cut squid. A lot of red grouper have shown up but the season will close February 15th and remain closed until March 15th along with black grouper. The season for gag grouper is closed from February 1 to March 31. Please visit http://www.gulfcouncil.org for a complete listing of federal fishing regulations.

Sheephead have been showing up around the Perdido Pass Bridge and the rocks. In the deeper holes in the creeks and rivers, trout are being caught. Reports of King mackerel have been reported about 20 miles south of Perdido Pass.

On the rigs, the reports of black fin tuna have been good. They are being caught on diamond jigs at night. Chunking and trolling will result in a catch of yellow fin tuna.

Reel Surprise Charters is offering a special for the month of February – 6-hour trip for $65. If you would like to make a reservation, please call us at 251-981-7173 or 1-800-806-7889.

Capt. Randy Boggs
www.reelsurprisecharters.com

Widespread Panic to return to the Wharf

Once again, the wildly popular group Widespread Panic will return to the AmphiTheater at the Wharf. This time it's a 3 day, 3 show extravaganza from April 17th - 19th. Panic fans are a dedicated group who show up in droves for their shows. We'll take in a show (or two) from our favorite Wharf concert condo at Phoenix on the Bay II.
But first we'll attend the Corey Smith and Rhett Akins show on March 14th, which will kick off the Wharf's Spring series of concerts. Check here for more concerts announcements as the Wharf fills out the Spring and Summer schedule.
And don't forget to book now for your Spring break, our friends at Brett Robinson are offering some great deals, including a 7 nights for the price of 4!!