This Is A Seasonal

Winter was little problem for a giant thing like Taiga, but many smaller predators suffered during the months where the snow fell thicker than they were tall. The enormous feline's massive paws were the biggest of snow shoes and her bulk allowed her to cut through the northern drifts. The grey and white cat often cut a path for her spindly legged companions, the trio of ungulates having an easier way than their wild cousins.

Along with the issue of travel, the cold and lack of greenery made a lot of the prey species thinner. Large groups of animals were often left hungry during the winter. Taiga wasn't picky, she would eat both the herbivores and the smaller predators if they got in her way. The smaller predators though... they often didn't have the luxury.

Taiga had just pounced on a fat snowshoe hare, her big body snapping its spine instantly. A second darted out in front of the cat and a big paw swiped out, whipping the rabbit into the air which she then caught with the claws on the same paw. Teeth came down, ending it quickly. Hot blood coated the woman's tongue and she lay down on her belly in the snow, intent on eating her snack while it was warm. She wasn't the only one that wanted a snack...

The whipping winter wind pulled the scent of coyotes right into the woman's pink nose. Russet eyes lifted from her split open rabbit to the edges of the raised drifts nearby. One by one, the pack of coyotes appeared. She could see their noses working as they scented the blood of the hares. A sigh pulled from the lioness and she rolled her eyes before rising to her paws, which seemed bigger than most of the coyotes. If they wanted to be stupid, she'd make them smart.

Behind the cat, her thick, striped tail lashed back and forth in irritation. She didn't like her meals being disturbed. So far there were six coyotes but she could hear more woofing and calling further into the forest. It wouldn't be a problem for her, but the more that showed up, the less likely it was for her to come away uninjured.

WC-372/1500

"Taiga"