Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, are present in Oklahoma. Historically eradicated from the state, observations confirm their presence today. While many sightings involved transient individuals, recent evidence indicates a shift towards potential reproduction within the state.
Cougar Presence and Status in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) acknowledges the presence of cougars within the state. Cougars were common in Oklahoma before European settlement but were largely extirpated by the 19th century due to hunting and loss of their primary prey, deer. The ODWC listed the mountain lion as a game species with a closed season in 1957, providing them a protected status. For decades, most confirmed sightings were transient individuals dispersing from established populations in neighboring states like Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska.
The ODWC has confirmed 85 cougar sightings since 2002, with a notable increase recently. In 2024, the ODWC confirmed the first photographic evidence of two separate female mountain lions with kittens in Osage and Cimarron counties. This development suggests that mountain lions may be establishing a breeding presence in Oklahoma, indicating a healthy ecosystem. The ODWC has consistently stated that they have never stocked, relocated, or released any mountain lions in Oklahoma.
Identifying Cougars
Cougars are large, slender cats, typically tan in color, ranging from tawny yellow to dark brown. Males average about seven feet long from nose to tail tip and weigh around 140 pounds, while females average six feet in length with a body weight around 95 pounds. A distinguishing characteristic is their long tail, more than half their body length, with a black tip. Their ears are rounded and lack the tufts seen on some other wild cats.
Bobcats, for instance, are significantly smaller, typically weighing between 15 and 35 pounds, with spotted coats and a short, “bobbed” tail. Cougar tracks are typically round, measuring approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter, showing four toes with a large, M-shaped heel pad. Unlike canines, cougar tracks rarely show claw marks because their claws are retractable.
Where Cougars Are Found in Oklahoma
Cougars prefer rugged, remote terrain with dense cover, such as forests, rocky areas, and regions of dense swamps. They also favor areas with low human habitation and an ample supply of prey, particularly deer. Their home ranges can be extensive, with males covering 90 to several hundred square miles and females typically ranging 50 to 75 square miles.
In Oklahoma, cougar sightings are more common in specific regions. The Rolling Red Plains ecoregion in far western Oklahoma offers suitable habitat with extensive rangeland and low human population density. River corridors and the panhandle also provide potential pathways for dispersing individuals. Osage County and Cimarron County have documented cougar kittens, indicating successful reproduction.
Encountering a Cougar
Encounters with cougars are rare, as these animals are reclusive and generally avoid people. If in an area where cougars might be present, hiking in groups and making noise can help deter them. It is also advisable to keep children and pets close, especially between dusk and dawn when cougars are often more active. Avoid leaving food outside, as this can attract prey animals that, in turn, might draw cougars.
Should you encounter a cougar, remaining calm is important. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response in the animal. Instead, face the cougar directly and make yourself appear as large and aggressive as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, or waving objects. Speak firmly and loudly. If the cougar approaches, throw objects without turning your back or crouching down.
If an attack occurs, fight back with whatever is available, focusing on remaining upright to protect your head and neck. Report any confirmed cougar sightings to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, preferably through their online reporting form, to assist in data collection and monitoring.