A mountain lion, also known by names such as cougar, puma, or panther, is a large, tawny-colored wild cat native to the Americas. Many people wonder about their presence in the Midwest, and mountain lions are indeed observed in Iowa. This is due to their historical absence and recent, transient appearances in the state.
Current Status in Iowa
While mountain lions are observed in Iowa, the state does not currently have an established, breeding population. Sightings typically involve transient animals dispersing from established populations in western states, such as Nebraska and South Dakota. These individuals are often young males seeking new territories.
Historically, mountain lions were present in Iowa, but they were extirpated from the state by the late 1800s. Their current return is primarily through natural dispersal, as there have been no reintroduction efforts by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR actively tracks and confirms sightings within Iowa.
The DNR uses various methods to confirm mountain lion presence, including verified photographs, trail camera images, track evidence, and analyses of roadkill or animals that have been shot. Since 2001, the DNR has documented nearly 50 confirmed or highly probable mountain lion sightings across Iowa. Over half of these confirmations have occurred since 2019, with 12 confirmed sightings in 2022 and 11 in 2023, indicating an increasing trend in transient observations.
These animals often travel extensive distances, as evidenced by a collared male mountain lion from Nebraska that dispersed over 300 to 400 miles into northwest Iowa. This subadult male, less than two years old, was part of a research project. While Iowa has abundant deer, a primary food source for mountain lions, the state’s habitat is generally not preferred for a permanent, breeding population.
Estimates suggest Iowa may have between 3 to 7 transient mountain lions at any given time. Confirmed cases have included a large male weighing between 165 and 170 pounds, found in Webster County in late 2022, and a 116-pound female observed in Johnson County in early 2023. These instances highlight the temporary presence of individual animals.
Encountering Mountain Lions
If you encounter a mountain lion in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages reporting the sighting to local DNR officers to help track their movements. Providing photographic evidence, such as trail camera images or clear photos, can be particularly helpful for confirmation. While mountain lion encounters are uncommon, understanding appropriate responses can help ensure safety.
Should you find yourself near a mountain lion, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase instinct in the animal. Instead, stand your ground and make yourself appear as large and intimidating as possible. This can be achieved by raising your arms above your head, opening your jacket, or picking up small children to increase your perceived size. If you are with a group, huddle together to present a larger form.
Maintaining direct eye contact with the animal and speaking in a loud, firm voice can also help deter it. Avoid crouching down or bending over, as these postures can make you appear more like a four-legged prey animal. Give the mountain lion a clear escape route, as they generally prefer to avoid confrontation.
If the mountain lion continues to act aggressively or approaches, throw objects at it, such as rocks or sticks, to discourage its advance. In the rare event of an attack, fight back with all available means, aiming for the animal’s head and neck. Such attacks are extremely rare, as mountain lions are secretive animals that typically seek to avoid human presence.