The possibility of mountain lions in Maine’s forests has long captured public imagination, fueled by anecdotal sightings. Understanding the facts requires examining official wildlife perspectives, common misidentifications, and the presence of other native wild cats in Maine.
Current Status in Maine
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) states there are no known breeding or resident populations of mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, in the state. Mountain lions were extirpated from Maine in the 1800s, with the last confirmed kill occurring in 1938. MDIFW emphasizes the absence of consistent physical evidence, such as verified tracks, scat, den sites, or roadkill, that would indicate an established population.
While no resident population exists, the occasional presence of transient mountain lions cannot be entirely ruled out. These rare individuals are typically young males dispersing from established western populations, traveling vast distances in search of new territories. A notable instance involved a western cougar that journeyed from South Dakota to Connecticut, where it was unfortunately killed by a vehicle in 2011, demonstrating the remarkable distances these animals can cover. However, such occurrences do not signify a re-establishment of a breeding population in Maine. MDIFW receives numerous reports of potential sightings annually, but most lack the concrete evidence needed for scientific confirmation.
Understanding Reported Sightings
Reports of mountain lion sightings in Maine are often a result of misidentification. Various animals common in the state’s landscape are frequently mistaken for the elusive cougar. Factors such as distance, poor lighting conditions, and the excitement of a perceived rare encounter can significantly distort perceptions of an animal’s size, shape, and features.
Bobcats are among the most common animals mistaken for mountain lions. While bobcats are significantly smaller, typically weighing 20 to 30 pounds and measuring around 3 feet in length, their appearance can be deceiving. Unlike the long, club-like tail of a mountain lion, which can be up to 3 feet long, bobcats possess a distinctive short, “bobbed” tail. Other animals, including domestic cats, coyotes, or even dogs, have also been misidentified as mountain lions due to similar coloration or perceived size.
Native Wild Cats of Maine
Maine is home to two native wild cat species: the bobcat and the Canada lynx. Both are well-adapted to the state’s diverse habitats and possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from mountain lions. These smaller felines are the actual wild cats inhabiting Maine’s woodlands and remote areas.
Bobcats are widespread throughout Maine, though their reclusive nature means they are rarely observed. These cats have reddish-brown fur, often with spots and stripes, short ear tufts, and a tail that is black on top and white underneath. They prefer dense woodlands, swampy regions, and agricultural areas, seeking shelter in rock cliffs, log piles, or hollow trees.
The Canada lynx, a federally threatened species in Maine, primarily inhabits the remote boreal forests of the northwestern part of the state. Lynx are larger than bobcats, with a more uniform gray coat, prominent ear tufts, and notably large, snowshoe-like paws that aid in navigating deep snow. Their tail is short, similar to a bobcat’s, but it has a completely black tip. Lynx populations are closely linked to the cycles of their primary prey, the snowshoe hare.