Many people wonder about the presence of mountain lions in Alabama, a question often sparked by reported sightings or historical accounts. Understanding the current status of these elusive cats involves official wildlife assessments and historical context.
The Official Stance on Mountain Lions in Alabama
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division states there is no established, self-sustaining breeding population of mountain lions in Alabama. While reports of sightings are frequent, officials have not confirmed a resident population. The nearest known wild populations are in Florida and western Texas.
Confirmed instances are typically attributed to transient male cougars dispersing from distant populations, or to escaped captive animals. The agency investigates reported sightings, but most turn out to be misidentifications of other animals, such as bobcats, domestic cats, or large dogs. The last confirmed wild mountain lion in Alabama was documented in 1956 in Tuscaloosa County.
Historical Presence and Reported Sightings
Mountain lions (also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers) were historically found throughout Alabama’s diverse habitats. These large cats were extirpated from the state by the mid-1800s to early 20th century, largely due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. Public interest in their potential return persists.
Unconfirmed sightings are regularly reported, contributing to the ongoing discussion about mountain lions in Alabama. These reports often lack verifiable evidence such as clear photographs, physical specimens, or roadkill. The lack of consistent, confirmable evidence, especially from trail cameras, further supports the official position that a wild population does not exist.
Distinguishing Mountain Lions and Reporting Suspected Sightings
Accurate reporting requires distinguishing mountain lions from other animals. Mountain lions are notably larger than bobcats, weighing 65 to 265 pounds and reaching up to 8.5 feet in length, including their substantial tail. Their coat is typically a uniform tan or tawny gray, without the spots found on adult bobcats. A mountain lion’s tail is long and thick, often measuring 2 to 3.5 feet, and usually has a black tip, contrasting sharply with a bobcat’s short, “bobbed” tail. Additionally, mountain lions have rounded ears without the tufts characteristic of bobcats.
If you believe you’ve seen a mountain lion, observe from a safe distance and, if possible, capture photographic or video evidence. This evidence, along with details such as location, date, and time, should be reported to the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Contact the division at (334) 242-3465 or (334) 242-3469. It is against the law to harm or kill protected animals like mountain lions in Alabama.