The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. Managing them in that way allowed for populations to rebound, and thats what we think is fueling the dispersal. Cougars, also known as mountain lions, were once common here and they have left a legacy of place names throughout the state indeed, the entire Southeast. The Mauldin Police Department tried to capture the cat using a metal cage baited with a slab of beef donated by a local grocery store but quit after trying for several days. The man-of-war is commonly mistaken for jellyfish. And no sightings were reported for nearly a century. The government again demonstrates its incompetence when it concludes there are no longer any mountain lions here, and to claim those that we hear and see (tracks and the animals) are from escaped pets is just nuts, there are hundreds of sightings in our area alone, even more in the Blue Ridge Mountains at large. The most common species of shark found are blacknose sharks, sand tiger and sandbar sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and the tiger sharkwhich is the largest and most potentially dangerous, making it among the most feared of all predators in North Carolina. One such place is Aloha Safari Zoo in Cameron. Robert Downing, a former Clemson-based biologist for the U.S. I was stunned but knew what I saw wasnt a dog or anything else for that matter, he told the Observer, adding that he was surprised at the response to his admission. They prefer larger prey like deer and elk. But Im not sure well ever see an established breeding population.. Last year the U.S. Many residents insist theyre either seeing or hearing mountain lions despite the lack of evidence. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 lbs. Still, reported sightings persist, as indicated by response to Billy Hensleys Facebook post. What was once called the Eastern Cougar and roamed areas throughout the southeastern United States was declared extinct in 2011 by the United States Fish . That's how a pair of pet cougars that had escaped were found feeding at a dumpster in Tyrrell County in the 1980s. But I think many people are mistaking coyotes, bobcats, and other animals for mountain lions.. But peoplecould also be mistaking black panthers for pet mountain lions escaped from captivity, according to Perry. "But we just don't haveany hard evidence.". How did they know this isnt an eastern lion? However, some speculate that the Florida panther also made its way into North Carolina. Here are the 15 US States That Have Mountain Lions, Colorado has the highest known population of mountain lions with a maximum of 7000. By Jacob Fife Published : Nov. 18, 2022 at . It started Saturday, when a chef in Morganton sheepishly admitted on a Facebook page devoted to Bigfoot research that he believes he saw a cougar -- also known as a mountain lion -- near the incorporated community of Nebo in western North Carolina. Black widows are found throughout the state, but more notably in the eastern region. Colorado has a large number of mountain lions within its borders, mostly due to the high elk population, dense forests, and isolated mountain ranges. Fish & Wildlife Resource. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Available here: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mammals/Eastern-Cougar#:~:text=Cougars%20were%20extirpated%20from%20North,living%20anywhere%20in%20the%20state, Wrightsville Beach Magazine, Available here: https://wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com/return-of-the-cougar/. Nikolay Kapustin, deputy zoo administrator and veterinarian at the Greenville Zoo, said the prints, which measure 2.5 inches long, are likely coyote tracks. The impressive animals were so common in North Carolina that many places and natural features got named after them. "Mountain lions have been extinct in the wild in North Carolina since 1900, and what that means is that we don't have populations of mountain lions here," Birckhead said. But the reportalso notes that 12 cougar sightings were reported in the national park between 1908-65, and another 31 between 1966-76. And that was nearly three decades ago. But if so, are there mountain lions in North Carolina? Still 3 coon hunters treed and killed one a few years ago. We have had a couple of cougars escape from captivity over the past 30 years or so, but they dont elude leaving evidence behind.. I dont really know why, because I dont really think it ever existed.. Then what? However, they are also sometimes referred to as cougars or pumas. Even thought they're on the endangered species list. While some South Carolinians are reportedly spotting mountain lions, others are claiming to see something much more menacing: a black panther. Keeps me up at night. How will CMS pay for programs with dwindling COVID relief money? They dont know that, theyre not genetically testing these animals.. . If you want instant wildlife-footage you can either skip to the 3:27 mark, or you can just go on to the next video. Mountain lions, also known as pumas, cougars, or panthers, have been declared extinct in North Carolina by government officials. Still, a wanting and desire to see a big cat back in the wild in North Carolina only goes so far, said Falyn Owens, a state wildlife biologist. Whether they're called cougars, mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, wildlife experts believe the cats exist as a stable, breeding population in the western U.S and, a ccording to both the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, transient western cougars have been spotted in both states since 2015. We Inform. Dominant toms may inhabit a 100-square-mile area, and any other males, including cubs that are just born, are competing against the alpha, he said. While bites are not typically fatal, they are extremely painful and need immediate medical attention. The predator is a carnivore and a highly-skilled, elusive hunter. There are controlled hunting laws in the state of Oregon. The populations are doing well enough in the west that when young males get old enough, they dont have anywhere to go, she said. Thank you for reading! Oh maybe some of the lazy hacks have finally retired., Another commenter speculated that the agency may have intentionally downplayed past sightings as they result in new study and staffing expenses.. I can tell you they werent from your everyday dog or house cat.. If you look closely enough, or have enough bright light, you can see spots amongst the dark fur. The poison also causes a necrotic, or dead layer of skin, that can require surgery. We know theres at least one there, and if we get reports of a cougar causing damage then theres a possibility well need to investigate that. It is also not uncommon to find them in dark areas, such as a garages. Mountain Lions, or "Painters", as they were often called in the past, were fairly common in the N. C. mountains up until the 20th century. The data they have collected over the years indicates that cougars are gradually making their way eastward, and validated the theory that young males travel farther and more quickly than females, making the repopulation process a gradual one. There are so many incredible parks in the state, including a few . A lot of people dont know theyre around until they show up and start feeding on their bird feeders, and then all of a sudden its What are you gonna do about these bears?. The eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct in 2011. But recent expert-confirmed sightingswhich have involved photographs, videos, and DNAin Tennessee support a theory that mountain lions, whose populations out west have continued to expand, are slowly making their way back to this side of the country. Im telling neighbors to be more aware of their surroundings when theyre walking their dogs around here.. But the thing about mountain lions is that females dont travel as far or as often, and when they disperse they dont go very far or very well.. Oklahoma: Confirmed sightings The state has documented cougar sightings, but there are no confirmed breeding areas. In 2003, eight residents from a Mauldin subdivision called police saying theyd seen a large black cat prowling around the woods behind their homes. The last recorded sightingsof Eastern cougars are believed to be from Maine in 1938and New Brunswick, Canada, in1932,according to the U.S. But the Eastern mountain lion, the official name of the species that once and some believestill does lived in North Carolina continues to capturethe imagination of many. They then have to ensure that the picture hasnt been tampered with in any way, because Peterson said an astounding number of peopleboth misinformed wildlife enthusiasts and tricksters with too much time on their hands and access to Photoshopsend him shots of mountain lions that were clearly either edited or taken in a state out west. The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, puma, and catamount, is the largest feline animal in North America. Heart still pounding, Marchibroda tracked down a ranger near Mathews Arm Campground to report what she had just witnessed. The life cycle then repeats itself. Koehler wasnt able to record the sound before the mystery creature moved on, but he remains adamant theres a mountain lion roaming around his house. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. Im not a mammalogist, so Im not going to try to play their role, but I think theyre all the same, Kocka said, adding that differentiating between subspecies may not always be a worthwhile effort. The only recognized population of mountain lions in the South is in South Florida in the Everglades, said Travis Perry, an associate biology professor at Furman University. Well, then dont dress them up like sheep, he said with a chuckle. For our list, we only included US states with a stable breeding population. They believe what they saw, said Butfiloski. The animal has been determined extinct, and thats just a shame, she said. Mountain lions live almost everywhere in the state of Washington. It was a little too big to be a bobcat.. My first thought was, I gotta chase this thing, Marchibroda said. The eastern diamondback is the most dangerous rattlesnake in all of North America. A cougar of unknown origin also waskilled in Kentucky in December 2014, according to the USFWS. The state of Idaho is large, expansive, and full of rocky wilderness. However, adult females keep their kittens with them until the young ones can strike out on their own. The 9 Best Books About National Parks for Travelers, mountain lions seem to be making a comeback. But shes also realistic. But Im not sure well ever see an established breeding population., Peace Center Broadway Season spotlights recent blockbusters and familiar classics, 54-acre Simpsonville property hits the market for $22M, 102-year-old WWII veteran Ralph Conte honored at Semper Fi Barn in Central, Greenville Drive and the Blood Connection kick off season long blood drive campaign, BJU Division of Music receives $1M gift to create scholarship fund endowment, Denver Downs Farm to host inaugural oyster roast fundraiser, Autism rates are increasing. The state of Texas is home to many mountain lion populations, but the numbers are incredibly hard to find. 'Sightings,' like pictured above are still reported. Like Arizona, New Mexico is the perfect home for mountain lions. Definitely a cougar, like you sawIve seen bobcats too and theyre not even close to the same size, length, and of course the tails are different., I think its condescending and dismissive when wildlife biologists or whoever say that they arent around when people obviously are seeing them, wrote Tiffinay Al-Maqtari on Facebook. Most of the native mountain lions live in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, but humans rarely ever see them due to their secretive nature. Whatever the source, I'm reasonably certain that we have mountain lions in the Smokies region." I read one source that stated mountain lions are legal to have in Tennessee, not North Carolina. They belong to the Felidae (cat) family and have many common names. Its amazing how many people came out of the wood work to tell about their sightings.. These are believable people, she said. I really took offense to that.. "It's not impossible," shesaid of a wandering male Florida panther reaching the Tar Heel State. You will receive your first newsletter soon. we would have stronger evidence if the large cats were still living in the state. Although the eastern cougar is extinct, there are still sightings of these cats across the state. Panthers, meanwhile, are not actually a species! "We get lots of reports every year from folks who think they've seen a. Despite the widely-held belief in the scientific community that eastern mountain lions have been long gone and any cats seen roaming the region these days must have made the long trek from midwestern states like South Dakota, some Appalachian residents remain convinced that the cats never actually left the area. It was huge and had a tail 3 feet long. Do not crouch down or bend over. Unrestricted hunting -- with bounty's paid for the "varmints" - and the extensive timber cutting by the sometimes voracious lumber companies, took a heavy toll on the animals. Are There Mountain Lions In North Carolina? For a solid four seconds, Marchibroda watched as a large, sleek cat standing about three feet tall with a long, curled tail crossed Skyline Drive near Gavel Springs Gap less than 100 feet in front of them. The coastal waters of North Carolina make up a popular, frequently used migration corridor for several ocean species. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries district wildlife biologist David Kocka is of the same mindset. The black widow isnt the only dangerous spider in the state. However, only 15 other states have residential mountain lion populations. There have also been several sightings at Clemson University over the years. North Carolina state biologist Brad Howard said in a report that we would have stronger evidence if the large cats were still living in the state. He told the Charlotte Observer he had gotten off from work in Morganton and was driving through Nebo near neighboring McDowell County when he saw what looked like a cougar jump across the road 75 yards in front of his vehicle. "I never tell people that they didn't see what they think they saw," Stiversaid, noting that he's dealt with some crazy critters during his 30 years at the national park, including servals (a wild African cat), peacocks, emus, longhorn steers and even capuchin monkeys. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). But proof of the Eastern cougar-- there is nohistorical evidencethat there ever was a "Carolina" subspecies, although the big cats were known as Carolina panthers colloquially-- in North Carolina has been near impossible to come across despite the proliferation of cell phone cameras, trail cameras and even home security system video systemsin recent years. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. Some of the video evidence presented to the agency does show mountain lions. Well, then we know theres a cougar there, Peterson said simply. At some point in time over the last 100 years, a cat would have been hit by a car, shot by someone or otherwise documented coming into the state, Howard wrote. What are the best little known attractions in North Carolina? The mountains are one thing. In many regions, the population within the state is actually increasing! They once inhabited the entire United States, but were killed off and pushed west. They prefer larger prey like deer and elk. The animal started running so I decided to run and get away and jump in the river to get across to the other side, Fletcher told The State. Luckily, they are not too common in the state, but you should still be careful. Mountain lions that are looking for new breeding areas are known as transient and are almost always males. Male mountain lions, also known as toms, occasionally travel long distances and sometimes appear from South Carolina to New England, according to Perry. The younger, weaker male lions will travel to get away to other areas and establish their own territory. To an alligator, meat is meat, meaning, your leg could be considered dinner or dessert. These cubs are born blind and helpless. Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. But then his neighbors dogs started barking. There was one outside of my sons school once and all the kids saw it. They initially didnt want to admit that I saw one, and they were calling it a UFOan unidentified furry object. Born Free USA, a national wildlife conservation group, estimates there are up to 20,000 big cats owned privately across North America. . Could the number of sightings have increased over the years? News outlets picked up the story and the video went viral, and its easy to understand whyaccording to TWRA regional manager Alan Peterson, that video marked only the second confirmed cougar sighting in Tennessee in more than 100 years. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 pounds. Depending on where you live, you may know them as pumas, panthers, cougars, or catamounts. The 'terrifying' viewpoint of the shark takes on a dismal reality when the number of shark attacks is still somewhat low, but this does not mean that bites are not reported. I have friends in Wyoming and Montana, where mountain lions have always been. Leopards, however, live in Africa and Asia. Controlled hunting of mountain lions is allowed within the state. The states diverse landscape, which boasts both mountains and coastlines, combined with a varying climate, means there is an array of wildlife in North Carolina some more dangerous than others. Numerous sightings, videos, and DNA. A seasoned hiker whos lived in Virginia since the 1970s and is deeply familiar with the areas wildlife, shes confident in what she saw. Most shark species that inhabit the Atlantic Ocean will, at some point, swim past the North Carolina coast, usually when waters are a bit warm. All are found throughout the state except for the pigmy, which is only found in the southeastern region. That hasn't stopped people, however,from reporting dozens of sightings over the decades, a trendthat continuedas more people sought solace in the great outdoors during the pandemic. As for what a new population of mountain lions would mean for nearby residents, education is crucial. Only one big cat officially calls the state home, and thats the bobcat. But that doesn't mean all hope islost in seeing big cats back in North Carolina. Today, we are going to explore the 15 US states that have mountain lions, plus a few others that may have some. Fish and Wildlife Service removed eastern subspecies of cougars from the endangered species list last year and declared them extinct. These powerful, majestic creatures once lived across much of the country but have since been killed or pushed out of most of it. This is a study - in a video-essay format. Greenville County, which requires residents to obtain a permit and undergo inspections, has issued 17 permits for exotic animals, including two tigers, since 2012, according to spokesman Bob Mihalic. A responder adds, 'The DNR swears up and down there are no mountain lions left in SC. Wyoming has a historically stable population of mountain lions, but recent drops in numbers have caused some to worry. Mountain lions live in incredibly diverse environments, but all call the Western Hemisphere home. They go hiking in the Rockies all the time and people still dont see them very often.. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. All rights reserved. Butfiloski, however, believes black panther sightings are likely black coyotes, bears, bobcats, and other wild animals. In big cats, black panthers are actually jaguars or leopards. They rarely come together outside of mating season. Now, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission estimates that the population has reached at least a couple dozen. It was a female mountain lion.. Since mountain lions are the top predators (unlike most other states with grizzly bears), they have a well-developed population. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A total of 65 mammal species live in the park. We get lots of reports every year from folks who think theyve seen a cougar. There is a confirmed report of two mountain lions spotted in Tyrrell County in the 1980s. We have no intentions, but if they show up, they show up.. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Pushed to the brink of North Carolina eradication in the early 20th century, alligators have slowly made their comeback along the coast. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The Family Felidae contains a number of species, including jaguars, ocelots, mountain lions, bobcats, lynxes and domestic cats. We understand people in North Carolina arenot cougar experts, and were here to help people understand what theyre seeing, what is on their property," Owens said, adding that biologists would be just as excited as the public if one of these sightings turned out to be genuine. Most of their fur is a shade of beige, although some develop a darker reddish-orange color. But really, itll change peoples viewpoints at some point., Experts in Tennessee dont know exactly how many mountain lions are roaming the area, but they do know one thing for sure: at least one of them is a female. LaRue is the first to admit that shed love to see a mountain lion in the wild, and she of all people understands the fascination with them. At various times over the years, the venomous, Portuguese man-o-war has washed up on the shores of North Carolinas beaches, and thats just one of the dangerous animals in North Carolina. These tendrils average around 30 feet, but can reach to 175 feet! Cougars weigh between 80-225 pounds and are 6-9 feet long (nose to tail). The cougar - sometimes referred to as a mountain lion or puma - was found throughout most of Minnesota prior to European settlement, though never in large numbers. Most, if not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther sightings are a result of misidentification. The city of Simpsonville has also received calls about mountain lions over the years, according to Colleen Jenkins, an animal code enforcement officer for the city. Koehler, for one, remains convinced at least one mountain lion inhabits these parts. Currently, mountain lions seem to be making a comeback in regard to their historic range. With that in mind, lets break down how we classified the states. All three are not naturally aggressive, but their potent venom plus elusive habitat are good reason to 'look' before stepping. As they get older, the cubs begin to leave the den and explore. Mountain lion populations struggle to outpace the high hunting limits. If youve done any research on your own, you may have noticed that we didnt include a lot of states that have had cougar sightings, especially in the last few years. The Golden State has one of the largest populations of mountain lions in the country. Brown recluses make their homes in shoes, old boxes, and in dark corners. Why do they believe it now? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. (Shooting a mountain lion is illegal in Tennessee, given that theres no hunting or trapping season for the animal, but Alan Peterson said the hunter didnt believe hed mortally wounded the animal, and the case has been turned over to a District Attorneys office to determine whether or not the hunter will be charged.). Eastern cougars are not a distinct species genetically. According to Perry, the countys lack of pet mountain lions doesnt necessarily discount the sightings, because mountain lions can travel very long distances. He said it was highly unlikely, but possible that some people are actually seeing a western mountain lion or Florida panther thats managed to dodge traffic and travel to South Carolina. South Carolinians are likely seeing something, even if its not a mountain lion. Just one single sting from a man-o-war is excruciatingly painful to a human. Pictured above, this photo began to circulate around North Carolina as an actual black panther/cougar sighting throughout the state. One popular conspiracy theory claims SCDNR has released a breeding population of western mountain lions to prevent the states surging white-tailed deer population from causing too much agricultural damage. The large tracts of untouched rocky land and bighorn sheep populations make for pristine mountain lion habitat. Then Europeans came to North Carolina and, in a themethat has been repeated around the globe, the state's top apex predator was deemed a threat to humans and livestock and exterminated. The cougar (also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, catamount, puma, and other names) was once one of the most widely distributed mammals in the Western Hemisphere. Eerie nighttime photos from trail cameras and tales of mountain lions attacking hikers flood social media and news channels. According to state officials, North Carolina panthers have become extinct sometime in the 1800s, . The solitary animals have very large home territories. But scientists disagree. According to those who claim they saw a mountain lion, yes, the number has increased. Sharks will sometimes wander into sounds and estuaries, but mainly just to feed or migrate. They are so prevalent that many people believe there are more mountain lions than there really are. Neighboring states also have an uptick in mountain lion sightings. The position of the Hallucigenia's head puzzled scientists for several years. The big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting. The cougars wandering far from their original homes in the West are, naturally, searching for three things: habitat, food and mates. Mammals. There is no known estimate of the number of mountain lions inhabiting Texas. Copperheads are found throughout the state. Heres What the Data Says. The hunting policy of the state may be the cause of the dropping population, and pressure on the Fish and Game Commission has increased. The nearest confirmed established and breeding mountain lion populations are in the Black Hills of North and South Dakota and western Nebraska. But they also need places to hide as they stalk their prey. To do this we use the anonymous data provided by cookies. Thats when he started comparing animal calls online. Similar to what's happened in recent decades with the coyote, Western mountain lions are slowly moving east to fill in the predatorial gap at the top of the food chain. Its happening all across the state.. So, did you know about these dangerous animals in North Carolina? Hunting is legal, but the use of dogs was banned in 1996. 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