The question of whether cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, roam the dense forests of Maine continues to intrigue residents and visitors. While stories and reported sightings are frequent, the official stance on their presence in the state remains a subject of ongoing discussion. This enduring mystery highlights the complex relationship between wildlife, history, and public perception in the Pine Tree State.
Current Status in Maine
Wildlife authorities in Maine maintain a clear position regarding cougars. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W) states that no known breeding cougar populations exist in Maine. Any confirmed cougars are considered transient individuals, passing through the state rather than establishing a resident population. These transient animals may be dispersing from established Western cougar populations or could be captive animals that have escaped or been released.
The Eastern cougar subspecies was officially declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2018. This declaration followed decades of review, concluding that there was no evidence of a reproducing population. Therefore, while individual cougars might occasionally appear, they are not considered part of a native, self-sustaining population within Maine.
A Look Back at Maine’s Cougars
Cougars were once a natural part of Maine’s diverse wildlife. These large felines were native to the region. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their presence in the eastern United States, including Maine, drastically declined.
The extirpation of the Eastern cougar was largely due to extensive hunting and trapping pressures. European settlers actively targeted these predators to protect themselves and their livestock, leading to a significant reduction in their numbers. The last confirmed Eastern cougar in Maine was killed in Somerset County near the Quebec border in 1938.
Why Sightings Occur
Despite the official stance, reports of cougar sightings persist annually. A primary reason for these frequent reports is the misidentification of other animals. Animals such as bobcats, Canada lynx, large domestic cats, coyotes, and even dogs are often mistaken for cougars due to their size, color, or movement.
While misidentification accounts for many sightings, the possibility of transient cougars entering Maine exists. A notable example occurred in 2011 when a cougar from South Dakota traveled over 2,000 kilometers before being struck by a vehicle in Connecticut. Such incidents demonstrate that individual cougars can indeed cover vast distances and occasionally appear in areas far from established populations.
Encountering Large Wild Cats
Distinguishing between a cougar and other large wild cats like bobcats or lynx is essential. Cougars are significantly larger, weighing around 140 pounds, and possess a long, heavy tail that can be nearly two-thirds the length of their head and body. Their fur is a uniform tawny color, and their ears are rounded without prominent tufts. In contrast, bobcats and lynx are much smaller, weighing 12 to 25 pounds, and have distinctly short, “bobbed” tails. Canada lynx also feature long ear tufts and larger paws, adaptations for navigating snow.
Should one encounter any large wild animal, maintain a safe distance. Never approach or attempt to feed it.
If a large cat is encountered, make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or opening a jacket. Back away slowly without turning your back or running, as running can trigger a chase response.
If an attack occurs, fight back aggressively. Any suspected cougar sighting should be reported to wildlife authorities like the MDIF&W, ideally with photographic evidence if safely possible.