“Some years ago, while riding horseback in the Bitterroot Range with a friend, we came upon this interesting maze of rocks and fallen timbers high up in the mountains,” says Terpning regarding the inspiration for Camp at Cougar’s Den.“Upon close examination we could detect the smell of a cougar in the small cave-like enclosure.The whole scene took on an even more primitive and wild nature, and I knew that this den could be the setting for a story. I realized a camp scene would be a logical choice, with Blackfoot raiders out to create some mischief and stopped for the night before traveling on.”