The presence of cougars in Mississippi has long been a subject of public interest and speculation. Understanding their official status requires examining scientific evidence and wildlife management data. This article explores the current status of cougars in Mississippi, their historical background, and practical advice for residents.
Current Status in Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) maintains that there is no established breeding population of cougars in the state. Despite this, confirmed sightings of transient cougars have occurred through verifiable evidence such as DNA, photographs, and tracks. These confirmed cases typically involve young male cougars dispersing from established populations in western states like Texas or Arkansas.
For instance, in 2017, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed trail camera photos of an adult cougar near the Mississippi-Louisiana border, approximately 40-50 miles from the Mississippi River. More recently, a confirmed sighting was reported in June 2023 along the Natchez Trace Parkway, where a family observed a cougar with distinct features like a long tail and light tan color.
Historical Presence and Return
Cougars were historically native to Mississippi and once roamed throughout the eastern United States. However, by the early 1900s, these animals were largely extirpated from the state and much of their eastern range. This local extinction was primarily due to extensive hunting pressure, often driven by fear and the desire to protect livestock, coupled with significant habitat loss as forests were cleared for agriculture.
The only confirmed breeding population of cougars east of the Mississippi River is the Florida panther. The sporadic appearance of cougars in Mississippi today is a result of natural dispersal, as individuals, predominantly males, travel eastward from more robust western populations, often covering vast distances in search of new territories.
Living Alongside Cougars
Given the potential for transient cougars to pass through Mississippi, it is important for residents to understand how to react if an encounter occurs. If a cougar is sighted, it is recommended to report it to the MDWFP, providing as much detail as possible, including photographs or other evidence if safely obtained. This information helps wildlife officials track movements and understand dispersal patterns.
For personal safety, if you encounter a cougar, remain calm and do not run, as this can trigger their chase instinct. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or opening your jacket, and speak firmly in a loud voice. Slowly back away, maintaining eye contact, and avoid crouching or bending over, as this can make you resemble a four-legged prey animal. Supervising children and pets, especially during dawn and dusk, and securing food sources like pet food or garbage, can help minimize the potential for attracting wildlife.