Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are one of the six native species of wild cats in North America. They used to roam the entire continent, but have become extinct in most US states.
Today, their range stretches from the Yukon Territory in Canada along the western coast of the United States, all the way to the Southern Andes in Chile.
While their presence on the East Coast is rare, sightings have been reported in most states. Find out whether there are cougars near your home by checking out the mountain lion population by state.
Topics
Key Facts
- There are about 34,327 to 47,567 mountain lions in the United States.
- Most extant populations of mountain lions are found on the West Coast. Florida is the only East Coast state with a confirmed and stable population of mountain lions.
- Wildlife protection and conservation efforts are helping reintroduce cougar populations in states where they have been extinct.
- Mountain lions are classified as a specially protected species in most jurisdictions.
- Currently, mountain lions have a confirmed presence with breeding populations in only 17 states.
The table below shows the estimated number of mountain lions in each state:
| Jurisdiction | Mountain Lion Population* | Mountain Lion Sighting Frequency** |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Alaska | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Arizona | 1,300 - 2,700 | Rare |
| Arkansas | 100 | Rare |
| California | 4,000 - 6,000 | Common |
| Colorado | 3,000 - 7,000 | Common |
| Connecticut | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Delaware | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Florida | 200 | Rare |
| Georgia | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Hawaii | 0 (None) | No sightings |
| Idaho | 2,000 | Rare |
| Illinois | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Indiana | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Iowa | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Kansas | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Kentucky | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Louisiana | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Maine | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Maryland | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Massachusetts | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Michigan | Unknown | Rare |
| Minnesota | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Mississippi | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Missouri | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Montana | 5,300 | Common |
| Nebraska | 40 - 60 | Rare |
| Nevada | 2,200 | Rare |
| New Hampshire | 0 (None) | Rare |
| New Jersey | 0 (None) | Rare |
| New Mexico | 3,000 - 4,500 | Common |
| New York | 0 (None) | Rare |
| North Carolina | 0 (None) | Rare |
| North Dakota | 80 | Rare |
| Ohio | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Oklahoma | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Oregon | 2,500 - 6,000 | Common |
| Pennsylvania | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Rhode Island | 0 (None) | Rare |
| South Carolina | 0 (None) | Rare |
| South Dakota | 200 - 300 | Rare |
| Tennessee | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Texas | 5,607 | Common |
| Utah | 1,600 - 2,700 | Common |
| Vermont | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Virginia | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Washington | 2,000 - 2,500 | Rare |
| West Virginia | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Wisconsin | 0 (None) | Common |
| Wyoming | 2,000 | Common |
*Census data in the table was sourced from Game and Fish Departments, studies, research papers, news outlets, and other official sources, they are correct as of January 2023 and intended to use as a reference only. These numbers are subject to change based on population trends and conservation activities and can be updated by the relevant authorities at any time.
**Sighting frequencies are based on reports received by government departments and other relevant authorities from residents and tourists in each specific state. They are not an indicator of population density and are intended to use as a reference only.
Mountain Lion Population Trends By State
Alabama
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Historically, cougars were widely distributed in the Yellowhammer State and found in most habitats. However, the species was extirpated from the state in the mid-1800s.
Today, there is no breeding population of mountain lions in Alabama, but sighting reports are common.
Nevertheless, almost all of them turn out to be misidentifications of domestic dogs and cats, bobcats, and even coyotes. Some true puma sightings have been traced back to escapees from captivity, but these instances are rare.
Alaska
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Mountain lions are permanent residents in only a small portion of the northernmost North America. They are found in the Canadian territory of Yukon, but there is no established population of mountain lions in Alaska.
Sighting reports are typically traced as misidentifications of the Canadian lynx or bobcats.
Since mountain lions haven’t actually been spotted in the state for decades, they are considered extirpated and have no special status. If you do happen to come across one, though, it is illegal to harvest or trap the animal.
Arizona
- Estimated population size: 1,300 to 2,700
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license and mountain lion tag required except in case of depredation
- Hunting season: Year-round
Arizona’s mountain lion population is estimated between 1,300 and 2,700 animals. Cougars are thriving in the state, and healthy breeding populations are numerous.
Yet, the number of pumas in Arizona has decreased in the past century. These animals have gone from being classified as predatory to being classified as big game.
Hunting mountain lions in Arizona is legal year-round, but hunting areas close when the year’s quota is reached. A pursuit-only season coincides with the open season for those who want to pursue a cougar with dogs but not kill or capture it.
Arkansas
- Estimated population size: 100
- Hunting permitted: No
With a population of cougars in Arkansas of around 100 breeding individuals, the state has become one of the few where mountain lions seem to gain back territory.
The big cats were abundant in the state back in the 1800s, but were extirpated in the 1900s.
According to wildlife experts, Arkansas has at least one breeding population of mountain lions today. However, this news is not yet confirmed by the state’s Game and Fish Department.
California
- Estimated population size: 4,000 to 6,000
- Hunting permitted: No
The Golden State can be defined as a true sanctuary for cougars. In fact, the population of mountain lions in California is one of the largest in the United States – around 4,000 to 6,000 individuals.
Nevertheless, cougars are classified as specially protected mammals that can’t be hunted or otherwise harvested.
The only exception is for landowners who can kill a mountain lion on their property, but only if they have a depredation permit and the big cat has killed or injured their pets or livestock.
Colorado
- Estimated population size: 3,000 to 7,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Mountain lion hunting license required
- Hunting season: Spring; Fall
If you’ve been wondering which state has the most mountain lions, the answer is Colorado. There are between 3,000 and 7,000 cougars in the state, distributed across various ranges and habitats.
Unlike California, Colorado doesn’t classify mountain lions as protected animals. Instead, they are considered big game mammals in the Centennial State.
To harvest a mountain lion in Colorado, however, hunters must pass a Mountain Lion Education Test and earn a certificate. Without it, they can’t purchase the mountain lion hunting license necessary for pursuing and hunting these mammals.
Connecticut
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
There is no population of mountain lions in Connecticut. While the big cats used to roam the state’s lands, they were hunted to extinction in the 19th century.
Sightings are also very rare, with the state’s wildlife department claiming that most of them are misidentifications of bobcats or coyotes.
The only recent sighting of a mountain lion in Connecticut can be traced back to 2011, when a cougar was hit and killed by a car. According to DNA sampling, the cat made its way to Connecticut from South Dakota.
Delaware
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Similar to Connecticut, Delaware is one of the states with no mountain lions. These mammals have been extinct in the state since the 1800s.
Sightings are reported yearly, but they are seldom confirmed. In fact, there have been no confirmed sightings of mountain lions in Delaware for decades.
Authorities claim a lack of evidence. They say there have been no traces or carcasses found to confirm sighting reports.
Florida
- Estimated population size: 200
- Hunting permitted: No
Florida has a small population of mountain lions – around 200 – but these big cats are well-established and breeding.
In an effort to restore the species to their old glory, Florida considers mountain lions as a protected species. They are illegal to hunt, but can be taken down to protect human life, pets, livestock, real property, or motor vehicles.
Mountain lions in Florida belong to a rare subspecies (Puma concolor coryi) that is often referred to as Florida panther.
Georgia
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
There are no mountain lions in Georgia, at least no confirmed breeding population. While sightings are rare – only three credible reports were filed since 2008 – experts say that there are big cats in the state.
According to wildlife biologists, Georgia has both Tennessee mountain lions and Florida panthers. Most of these are wandering animals, but sightings and conflicts could happen.
That said, chances of cougars wandering through the state from Florida are higher. All confirmed sightings have been identified as Florida panthers.
Hawaii
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Hawaii is the only state with no mountain lions where the species wasn’t actually extirpated. That’s because cougars are not native to the state.
Not only are there no mountain lions in Hawaii, but there aren’t any other land predators either. This makes it a safe destination for hiking and camping.
The few reports of mountain lions in this state have been due to escapees from captivity.
Idaho
- Estimated population size: 2,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license and mountain lion tag required
- Hunting season: Fall through Spring
Idaho’s population of mountain lions is one of the few extant ones in the United States that is actually threatened.
Today, there are about 2,000 cougars left in the state, but they are classified as big game. Hunters need a valid license, and there is a mandatory bag size of one cougar per tag.
Yet, statistics show that hunters harvest between 400 and 600 cougars yearly. That’s unsustainable for the population size, which is why mountain lions in Idaho may soon become a thing of the past.
Illinois
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Like most US states, Illinois had a thriving population of cougars in the past. However, they likely became extinct before 1870, according to wildlife historians and experts.
This doesn’t mean you can’t run into a cougar in Illinois. Even though sightings are rare, there have been at least eight confirmed reports in the past years.
Based on DNA evidence, mountain lions spotted in Illinois typically wander from Nebraska, Oklahoma, or South Dakota.
Indiana
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Further east compared to Illinois, Indiana is one of the states with no breeding population of mountain lions and very rare sightings.
In fact, there have been no cougars spotted in the state for decades. There are some reports, but they all prove to be false alarms
That said, Indiana has plenty of natural areas where mountain lions could feel at home, should the Game and Fish Department consider their reintroduction.
Iowa
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
There is no breeding population of mountain lions in Iowa either, but this is one of the states with the most sightings – among the states where cougars are considered extirpated.
Most cougars who wander through Iowa can be traced to South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska, and there have been around 34 sightings between 1995 and 2021, according to the Des Moines metropolitan area.
Kansas
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The population of mountain lions in Kansas had the same fate as cougars in most other states of America. They were considered a nuisance, and the species went extinct in the state in the early 1900s.
From 1904 to 2007, the state went 103 years without any confirmed sightings of cougars. However, since 2007, things have changed.
In the past years, there have been reported 40 confirmed sightings of mountain lions. While there is insufficient evidence of an established population, cougars seem to return to the state.
Kentucky
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Kentucky, like other neighboring states, was home to a thriving population of eastern cougars. These predators were perceived as a nuisance, and were hunted to extinction in the 19th century.
According to state officials, the subspecies of big cats disappeared from the east by the 1930s.
Today, there is no population of cougars in Kentucky, but some mountain lions do wander from other states. Sightings are rare, but there have been some confirmed ones in recent years.
Louisiana
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Louisiana, like other eastern states, was home to the now extinct subspecies of eastern mountain lions. However, there was no breeding population of cougars in Louisiana for decades.
There were no sightings either for quite some time. However, in recent years, there have been a few confirmed sighting reports.
Maine
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
According to state and federal wildlife officials, there is no cougar population in Maine today. There haven’t been many confirmed sightings either, and most of the reports were traced back as misidentifications of other species.
According to cameras, sporadic sightings did happen in recent years. However, you have higher chances to run into a bobcat or coyote than a cougar in this state.
Maryland
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Maryland’s cougar population has seen the same fate as the population of cougars in neighboring states. These big cats were exterminated by the early 1900s.
Today, some believe cougars have found their way back to the Old Line State, but officials have never confirmed those rumors.
Some sightings were confirmed, but these cougars were considered wandering animals rather than residents. In 2018, mountain lion tracks were found in a park in Prince George’s County, but there were no other traces of the animal.
Massachusetts
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Another of the states with no population of mountain lions, Massachusetts has been cougar-free since the early 1900s when the bounty system wiped out most predatory animals.
Despite numerous sighting reports, very few have proved to be true. In fact, there have only been two real sightings in recent years.
According to state officials, Massachusetts has no need to update its current forest management practices to make the habitat more attractive to cougars. There is an abundance of wildlife, and mountain lions are protected in the state. and illegal to take out.
Michigan
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
According to the Wildlife Department, Michigan’s population of mountain lions has been extirpated for decades. However, sightings are so common in this state that experts wonder whether these big predators have returned.
Since 2008, there have been 74 confirmed reports of mountain lions in the state. In 2021, officials also found mountain lion tracks in southern Luce County. That’s only one of 12 instances mountain lions were captured on camera in the same year.
This sighting frequency is more in-line with sightings observed in states with an established mountain lion population. Thus, there could be breeding cougars in Michigan.
Minnesota
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Prior to the European settlement, Minnesota’s population of mountain lions was huge and thriving. Things changed in the 19th century, when the predator became a nuisance and was hunted to extinction.
Today, Minnesota has no breeding population of mountain lions. However, sightings are becoming more frequent in recent years.
Since 2004, there have been 59 verified cougar sightings and the numbers are not yet in for the last year.
Mississippi
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Mississippi’s population of cougars is also considered extinct by state officials. There hasn’t been a breeding population in the state since the early 1900s.
However, hunters often report cougar sightings and claim that the big cats have returned to the Magnolia State regardless of what the officials say.
This isn’t the first report of cougars migrating east, particularly along the Mississippi River, so they could reclaim the old territories.
Missouri
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Similar to Mississippi, the population of mountain lions in Missouri was extirpated in the early 1900s, and the big cats haven’t returned to the state since.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t encounter a cougar in the state, but there were only 99 confirmed sightings since 1994.
It must be said that confirmed sighting trends have increased in recent years. Does it mean cougars are returning to the state? We’ll have to wait and see.
Montana
- Estimated population size: 5,300
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license and mountain lion permit required
- Hunting season: Fall; Winter
The Big Sky Country is one of the few states with a healthy cougar population despite the fact that these predators have been hunted to near-extinction.
Today, there are around 5,300 cougars in Montana, primarily distributed between the central and western portions of the state.
Classified as big game mammals, cougars can be legally hunted in the fall and winter seasons. Hunters need a valid license and cougar permit, and they must also respect bag limits. All seasons can close early if hunting quota is reached.
Nebraska
- Estimated population size: 40 to 60
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Fall, Winter
Nebraska’s population of mountain lions is the smallest in the United States, only counting between 40 to 60 between youths and adults.
Nevertheless, the Cornhusker State doesn’t protect its fragile population of cougars. Instead, it opened its gates to trophy hunters who can take down pumas in several seasons.
Moreover, farmers in the state are also allowed to take down mountain lions without a permit or prior notice if they find the predator stalking, killing, or consuming their livestock. If Nebraska continues to follow this trend, mountain lions may soon become extirpated.
Nevada
- Estimated population size: 2,200
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required unless shooting a predator on your own land
- Hunting season: Year-round
While Nevada’s population of mountain lions is about 36 times larger than Nebraska’s, the number of cougars in the state is still low compared to other predators.
Despite the fact, Nevada allows cougar hunting year-round. Landowners may also take down a depredating cougar without the need for a permit.
According to state officials, cougars are present in all major mountain ranges in Nevada and are classified as big game mammals.
New Hampshire
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
An east coast state, New Hampshire was once home to a thriving population of eastern mountain lions. The species is now extinct, but western mountain lions may still wander through the state.
While there is no breeding population of cougars in New Hampshire, there have been reported sightings.
Most of them turned out to be misidentifications of coyotes and bobcats, but there were also a few confirmed sightings. State officials don’t confirm or deny the presence of cougars within the state’s borderlines.
New Jersey
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted:
Formally, there is no population of mountain lions in New Jersey. Once, the Garden State was also home to the now extinct eastern cougars.
There aren’t any cougars in the neighboring states either, but these predators may wander from nearby Florida.
Apparently, 26 people have seen a mountain lion in New Jersey in 2021 alone. Not all of these claims have been confirmed, but you may still run into a cougar while hiking or camping.
New Mexico
- Estimated population size: 3,000 to 4,500
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
With a population of mountain lions between 3,000 and 4,500 individuals, New Mexico has Nevada-like hunting policies.
Mountain lions in New Mexico are classified as big game. A year-round hunting season allows anyone with a valid hunting license to pursue and take down these big cats.
Moreover, landowners may also take down mountain lions that threaten their property or livestock.
New York
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The Empire State’s situation is similar to that of neighboring New Jersey. There are no mountain lions in New York, at least officially.
Sightings are also much more isolated compared to other eastern states. Not only some of them proved to be inaccurate, but those where cougars were indeed spotted happened due to escapees from captivity.
North Carolina
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The Tar Heel State is rich in natural areas and brags with abundant wildlife. Yet, none of the species here are cougars.
According to state officials, North Carolina panthers have become extinct sometime in the 1800s, and there haven’t been any verified sightings in the state for more than a century.
This comes as a surprise, considering the cougars have been spotted in many neighboring states even if there is no breeding population in the area.
North Dakota
- Estimated population size: 80
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Sept to Mar
The Peace Garden State is known for its open prairies that aren’t exactly mountain lion habitat. Yet, there is a stable population of mountain lions in western North Dakota, counting around 80 breeding animals.
According to state officials, that number is high enough to justify the cougar’s classification as a big game mammal.
The hunting season is generally open between September and March. Hunters need a valid license, and quota restrictions may apply.
Ohio
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The population of mountain lions in Ohio has been extirpated since the 1800s, and there have been very few sightings in the state.
In 2020, pictures of a mountain lion roaming the Ohio Valley have been posted on the internet. Before that, there were some reports in 2014.
Loose cougar alerts have also been issued a number of times, and most sightings are believed to be the result of escapes from captivity.
Oklahoma
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Officially, there is no population of cougars in Oklahoma. Nevertheless, this predator has been one of the most discussed of all wild species in the state.
Cougars have gone extinct in Oklahoma a long time ago, but seldom sightings have been documented back to 1852.
Tracks have been recorded on several instances, and in recent years, there have been reported five sightings in 2022 alone. Whether there is a very small population or not, these big cats are elusive enough to stay away from the prying eyes.
Oregon
- Estimated population size: 2,500 to 6,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
With one of the largest cougar populations, Oregon is one of the states to go if you want to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
They are classified as big game mammals, and there is a year-round hunting season open in the state.
However, hunting quotas apply to various hunting zones, and the population is healthy enough to thrive despite it being a target for sports hunting.
Pennsylvania
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Nestled near the East Coast, Pennsylvania is one of the states with no cougars where the animals haven’t been spotted in decades.
In fact, the last genuine sighting of a puma within the state borders was recorded in 1967. Even then, authorities suspected that it was either an escapee or a released animal previously kept as a pet.
There have been some recent sighting reports, but there is not enough evidence to support the claims. More likely, those were misidentifications with coyotes or bobcats.
Rhode Island
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The population of mountain lions in Rhode Island went extinct in the 19th century, with the last recorded sighting dating back to 1847. At least, that’s the official information.
Despite the state official’s claims, residents in the Matunuck region claim that mountain lions live in Rhode Island.
There is quite the debate whether those sightings are true, since sufficient evidence has never been collected. If that were true, it might be a sign of western mountain lions settling in the region.
South Carolina
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
The Palmetto State is in a situation similar to Rhode Island. Officially, there has been no population of cougars in South Carolina long before the eastern mountain lions were declared extinct in 2011. Sightings have never been confirmed.
However, some residents believe that mountain lions have made their way to the state.
Most presences are attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. However, they might as well be western mountain lions. Not that any state official has ever confirmed there were cougars in the state to begin with.
South Dakota
- Estimated population size: 200 to 300
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license and mountain lion license required
- Hunting season: Dec to Apr
South Dakota’s small population of cougars counts between 200 and 300 animals. Yet, similar to other states. South Dakota classifies pumas as big game mammals.
The main difference between this and other states is the more regulated hunting rules.
To take down a mountain lion in this state, hunters need a valid hunting license and a statewide mountain lion license. They must also enter a draw to hunt in certain areas of the state. Currently, there is a harvest limit of 60 males and 40 females per season.
Tennessee
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Tennessee is one of the states where overhunting and habitat loss led to an extirpated population of cougars. Their situation is similar to that of elks and buffalos, two other species that no longer exist in the state.
Officially, there have been no cougars in Tennessee for around a century, even though sighting reports are very frequent.
Various captures on camera even confirmed mountain lion presences in Middle and West Tennessee. State officials haven’t confirmed whether these were animals wandering from other territories or escapees, nor were there any declarations made regarding a possible return of these big cats in the state.
Texas
- Estimated population size: 5,607
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
The Lone Star State has the loosest regulations as far as cougar management is concerned. While there has been no official census for some time, the number of mountain lions in Texas is estimated around 5,607 animals.
While this isn’t a huge number, cougars are classified as non-game mammals, similar to coyotes, bobcats, and other nuisance animals.
They can be harvested with no limit and at any given time, as long as the hunter has a valid hunting license. Landowners may take down cougars without a license in case of depredation.
Utah
- Estimated population size: 1,600 to 2,700
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Nov to May
Nestled between Nevada and Colorado, Utah is another state with a seemingly large population of mountain lions. There are around 1,600 to 2,700 cougars in the state according to state officials and density estimates.
The Beehive state classifies these predators as big game mammals, and hunting is more regulated compared to Texas.
Nevertheless, the quotas are high compared to the actual number of animals. This could lead to a rapid decline in the number of mountain lions in the state.
Vermont
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Perched up on the east side between New York and New Hampshire, Vermont has no population of mountain lions.
Cougars have been extinct in the state for about a century, and there haven’t been any confirmed sightings for decades.
Sure, state officials receive sighting reports frequently, but not one of them has been confirmed due to a lack of evidence.
Virginia
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Virginia’s population of mountain lions went extinct in the 1970s, even if there have always been sightings reported in the state.
In recent years, sighting reports are becoming more and more common. However, experts claim that even if those would turn out to be true, it wouldn’t be a return of the original population.
That’s because West Virginia was home to eastern cougars, which are now extinct. Thus, a new population could only be established if sufficient mountain lions were to migrate from the west.
Washington
- Estimated population size: 2,000 to 2,500
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Fall through Spring
The cougar situation in Washington is similar to Utah’s. There are around 2,000 to 2,500 cougars in the state according to the 2008 census. Those numbers might have changed, and some experts believe that there are actually fewer mountain lions, so the lower limit of the range could be more accurate.
Cougars in Washington are classified as game mammals and can be hunted from fall through spring. The actual season dates can change.
Like most predators, cougars are opportunistic and may target livestock. Thus, landowners and their immediate family or employees are allowed to shoot at cougars threatening their domestic animals or property.
West Virginia
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
In West Virginia, too, the population of eastern mountain lions that once roamed the hills and hollows of the state is long gone.
Sightings haven’t been confirmed in decades, despite resident reports.
In most cases, alleged sightings were tracked down to misidentifications with bobcats, coyotes, or even domestic dogs and cats.
Wisconsin
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Wisconsin has no population of mountain lions, but is one of the states where confirmed sightings are frequent.
From 2017, there have been recorded 76 confirmed or probable sightings. In 2021, a cougar was caught on camera in West Bend, and in 2022 alone, there have been seven confirmed sightings.
The evidence points in the direction of a reestablishment of cougars in the state. However, there is no certainty if and when this will happen.
Wyoming
- Estimated population size: 2,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Sept to Mar
Wyoming’s population of mountain lions is stable, counting around 2,000 animals. Hence, the state classifies cougars as big game mammals and allows their recreational hunting.
Hunters must have a valid license, and seasonal quotas are imposed by the state. Yet, wildlife activists claim that the quotas are too high.
Similar to most other states where mountain lions are extant, Wyoming allows landowners to take down a depredating animal.
Mountain Lion Identification
Mountain lions are the largest wild cats in most North American habitats. The only exception could be the southern part of the United States, where small populations of jaguars may exist.
Thus, the easiest way of telling mountain lions from other wild cats is by looking at their size.
Mountain lions are about 30 inches tall at the shoulder and between 3.25 and 5.25 feet long. That’s about twice the size of a bobcat and about three times the size of a house cat.
Canadian lynxes are the closest in size, but still smaller than cougars.
Another difference is the coat of the animal. Mountain lions have uniformly colored coats that are tawny, gray-brown, or red-brown. Lynxes and bobcats have spots or other marks.
Tracks are also easy to tell apart from coyote or other wildlife tracks. Cougar tracks are large, about the same size as wolf tracks, but round. They don’t have any claw marks, since big cats have retractile claws.
What To Do In Case Of Encounter
Mountain lions are powerful but shy creatures that are challenging to spot even in habitats where they are considered abundant. They are stealth hunters more active at dawn and dusk, so encounters are rare.
If you do find yourself face-to-face with a mountain lion:
- Give the animal a wide berth, even more so if you’re encountering a female with kittens. Keep in mind that mountain lion kittens can look like domestic cats, so it’s best not to approach any cats you come across in the wild in areas where cougars are present.
- Do not approach the cougar or throw food at it.
- Always face the cougar, hold your ground, talk loudly, and ensure it has a way out.
- Stand as tall as you can and do whatever you can to appear larger. For instance, keep your jacket open or stay shoulder-to-shoulder with your hiking buddy.
- If the cougar shows signs of aggression, shout and throw anything you might have at it. Don’t bend down to pick up rocks and if the cougar attacks, fight back. Bear spray might help scare the animal away.
- Never hike alone in areas inhabited by cougars.
- Never run or make any rapid movements in case of an encounter. This might trigger the cougar’s predator instinct and increase the risk of attack.