Mountain lions were once native to Indiana, but their current verified presence in the state is extremely rare or non-existent, according to official wildlife agencies.
Historical Presence and Disappearance
Mountain lions, also known as pumas, cougars, or catamounts, historically roamed across much of the eastern United States, including Indiana. However, by the late 1800s, mountain lions were extirpated from Indiana.
Their disappearance was primarily due to extensive habitat loss and unregulated hunting practices. The widespread conversion of natural landscapes for agriculture and human settlement drastically reduced the wild spaces necessary for these large predators to thrive. This historical context helps explain why sightings persist in public imagination, even though the species has been absent for over a century.
Current Status: Official Stance and Verified Records
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states there is no evidence of a breeding population or established wild mountain lions in Indiana. Any mountain lions detected are considered transient individuals, typically young males dispersing from established populations in western states like South Dakota or Nebraska. These dispersing animals can travel hundreds of miles in search of new territory or mates.
Confirmed reports of mountain lions in Indiana are exceptionally rare and are rigorously verified. For instance, the Indiana DNR confirmed two instances: one in southern Clay County in the fall of 2009 and another in northern Greene County in the spring of 2010. Verification relies on clear photographic evidence, DNA analysis, or plaster casts of tracks with measurements. These stringent criteria help differentiate actual occurrences from unconfirmed sightings.
Common Misidentifications and Unverified Reports
Despite the official stance, many people believe they have seen mountain lions in Indiana. This often stems from misidentifying other animals. Bobcats, which are Indiana’s only native wild cat, are frequently mistaken for mountain lions. Bobcats are considerably smaller, weighing 15-30 pounds and measuring 30-50 inches long with a short, bobbed tail, typically less than 6 inches. In contrast, mountain lions weigh 80-160 pounds and can be 7-8 feet long, including a long, rope-like tail that makes up a significant portion of their length.
Large domestic cats, coyotes, or even certain dog breeds can also be misidentified as mountain lions, especially during fleeting glimpses or in poor lighting conditions. Many unverified reports rely on blurry photos, distant observations, or secondhand accounts, which make confirmation difficult for wildlife officials. The DNR receives numerous reports, but most prove to be other species, are inconclusive, or are part of internet hoaxes.
Reporting and Coexisting
For anyone who suspects a mountain lion sighting in Indiana, the Indiana DNR encourages reporting it through their “Report A Mammal” form. When submitting a report, it is important to provide detailed observations or evidence. Clear photographs or videos of the animal in a verifiable location are most helpful. Evidence like tracks with measurements or scat can also assist DNR biologists in confirming the presence of a mountain lion.
While encountering a mountain lion in Indiana is highly unlikely, general wildlife safety tips apply to all large animals. Do not approach the animal and ensure it has a clear escape route. If a close encounter occurs, avoid running; instead, stand your ground, face the animal, and maintain eye contact.