There is no established, breeding population of wild cougars in South Carolina. While sightings are occasionally reported, wildlife experts and state agencies indicate these are typically cases of misidentification or transient animals.
The Official Stance
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) maintains that wild cougars do not have a resident, breeding population within the state. Cougars were historically native to South Carolina but were extirpated by the early 20th century, with no verified wild cougar in South Carolina in about 100 years. The eastern cougar, a subspecies, was officially declared extinct in 2011.
Confirmed cougar sightings in South Carolina are rare, attributed to transient animals dispersing from other states or escaped captive animals. Male cougars are known to travel vast distances, explaining appearances far from established populations. However, the lack of evidence like road-killed carcasses or consistent trail camera footage supports the SCDNR’s position that a wild, free-ranging population does not exist.
Understanding Reported Sightings
Despite the official stance, the SCDNR receives numerous calls from people who believe they have seen a cougar. These reports often stem from misidentification of other animals commonly found in South Carolina. Animals frequently mistaken for cougars include bobcats, which are much smaller with bobbed tails, large domestic cats, coyotes, or large dogs.
Wildlife biologists investigate reported sightings by looking for verifiable evidence like tracks, scat, or clear trail camera footage. However, most reports lack this documentation, and investigations often conclude the animal seen was not a cougar. Grainy photos or brief glimpses can lead to incorrect identifications.
What to Do If You Encounter a Cougar
While a cougar encounter in South Carolina is extremely unlikely, it is important to remain calm and never approach the animal. Do not run, as this might trigger a chase response.
Make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms and standing tall. Make noise, speak firmly, and back away slowly without turning your back. If accompanied by children or pets, keep them close to you.
Report any potential cougar sightings to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Provide as much detail as possible, including the location, time of day, and a description of the animal. This information helps wildlife officials track and understand animal movements, even for rare occurrences.