The question of whether mountain lions roam Maine’s forests frequently captures public interest. Reports of large, elusive felines spark curiosity and debate among residents and wildlife enthusiasts. This persistent fascination highlights a desire to understand the presence of these powerful predators in the state’s diverse landscapes.
The Official Stance on Mountain Lions in Maine
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) maintains there is no established, breeding population of mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas (Puma concolor), in the state. Wildlife agencies base conclusions on scientific evidence, not anecdotal sightings. This evidence includes confirmed tracks, scat, den sites, verified kills, clear camera trap photographs, or physical specimens. While MDIFW receives numerous sighting reports, these often lack the verifiable evidence needed to confirm a resident population.
Historical Presence and Transient Individuals
Mountain lions were once native to Maine and roamed across much of eastern North America. However, these populations were extirpated by the late 19th or early 20th century. This was largely due to extensive hunting pressure and significant habitat loss as human settlements expanded. The last confirmed mountain lion in Maine was reported killed around 1932 or 1938.
Despite the absence of a resident population, individual mountain lions may occasionally wander into Maine. These are transient animals dispersing from established populations elsewhere, such as in western North America or Canadian provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick. Such occurrences are rare and do not indicate a re-established breeding population. A lone, dispersing animal is distinct from a self-sustaining, reproducing group consistently inhabiting an area.
Commonly Mistaken Animals
Many reported mountain lion sightings in Maine turn out to be other common wildlife species. People often mistake coyotes (Canis latrans) for larger felines, especially at a distance or in poor lighting. Coyotes are much smaller than mountain lions, weighing between 20 to 50 pounds, and possess a bushy tail that points downwards, contrasting with the mountain lion’s long, thick, cylindrical tail. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are also frequently misidentified; these smaller cats, weighing 15 to 35 pounds, are characterized by their short, “bobbed” tail and often spotted fur, unlike a mountain lion’s uniform tan coat and lengthy tail.
Large domestic dogs can also lead to confusion, particularly breeds with a similar build or coloration to a mountain lion. Dogs lack the distinctive feline features: a powerful, muscular body, relatively small head, and characteristic long tail often held with a slight upward curve. Even the fisher (Pekania pennanti), a much smaller weasel-like mammal, has been mistaken for a mountain lion due to its dark fur and elongated body during fleeting glimpses. Understanding the distinguishing features of these animals helps clarify common misidentifications in the Maine wilderness.