Many Missourians wonder about the presence of mountain lions in the state. Reports of sightings frequently circulate, sparking public interest and questions about these elusive predators. While some accounts might be misidentifications, the curiosity about mountain lions often leads to inquiries about their status and behavior.
Official Stance and Confirmed Presence
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) classifies mountain lions as “extirpated,” meaning there is no established breeding population in the state. However, individual mountain lions have been confirmed. Since 1994, the MDC has documented approximately 120 confirmed reports through February 2024. The last known permanent resident mountain lion in Missouri was killed in 1927.
Confirmations are made through rigorous investigation by the MDC’s Large Carnivore Response Team (LCRT). Evidence includes DNA analysis from hair or scat, clear trail camera photographs, videos, or physical examination of carcasses.
While hundreds of reports are received annually, less than one percent yield conclusive evidence. Most confirmed sightings involve male mountain lions, which travel extensively. The first definitive confirmation of a female mountain lion in Missouri since 1994 occurred in Shannon County in 2017, with DNA indicating its origin from the Black Hills of Wyoming, South Dakota, and Northwest Nebraska. The MDC has never released or stocked mountain lions in Missouri.
Understanding Their Journey to Missouri
Mountain lions appear in Missouri primarily due to dispersal, a natural phenomenon. Young male mountain lions often leave their birth territories in western states to find new habitats and mates. This movement can lead them to travel hundreds of miles.
These dispersing individuals originate from established mountain lion populations in states west of Missouri, including Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming. Missouri acts as a corridor for these transient animals, not a permanent home. The state’s abundant deer populations provide a suitable food source, aiding their journey.
Identifying and Reporting Sightings
Distinguishing a mountain lion from other animals is important for accurate reporting. They are large, muscular cats with a uniform tawny brown color. A primary identifying feature is their long, thick, cylindrical tail, often with a black tip. Their ears are small and rounded, without the tufts seen on bobcats. Animals commonly mistaken for mountain lions include bobcats, large domestic cats, coyotes, and various dog breeds.
If you believe you have seen a mountain lion or found evidence, report it to the Missouri Department of Conservation for data collection. Contact the Large Carnivore Response Team via email at [email protected]. Provide specific details like date, time, and precise location of the sighting. Including photographic or video evidence, or clear images of tracks, significantly aids verification.