The mountain lion, also known by regional names like cougar, puma, or catamount, stands as one of North America’s most powerful and secretive predators. Its historical range once spanned the entire continent, including the forests and mountains of New England. The question of whether this large cat still roams the landscape of New Hampshire is a source of persistent public curiosity and debate. While reports of sightings are common across the state, the official scientific consensus offers a clear answer. This article clarifies the current status of the mountain lion in New Hampshire, examining the official position and the reasons behind the frequent reports.
Current Official Status in New Hampshire
Mountain lions are not considered to have an established, resident, or breeding population within New Hampshire. The species that historically inhabited the region, often called the Eastern cougar, was declared extirpated, or locally extinct, decades ago. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHF&G) maintains that there is no verifiable physical evidence of a resident population.
The NHF&G relies on definitive proof to confirm the presence of any large mammal, such as DNA from hair or scat, or high-quality photographic evidence. Hundreds of reports submitted to the department have not yielded any definitive proof of a mountain lion living in the state. Samples submitted by the public, believed to be mountain lion scat or fur, have consistently been identified through DNA analysis as belonging to common species like bobcats, coyotes, or domestic dogs.
The occasional verified presence of a mountain lion in the Northeast does not indicate a resident population in New Hampshire. A resident population requires evidence of breeding females and multiple age classes of young. The lack of any such evidence means that New Hampshire is considered outside the species’ current established range.
Sources of Reports: Transient Lions and Misidentification
Despite the official status, reports of mountain lions in New Hampshire occur frequently, stemming from two distinct phenomena: extremely rare transient animals and far more common misidentification. The rare, verified sightings are almost always of young, dispersing males traveling vast distances from established populations in the West. These individuals are attempting to find new, unoccupied territory.
One such case occurred in 2011, when a mountain lion was killed on a Connecticut highway, marking the first verified sighting in the East in over a century. DNA evidence confirmed this lion had traveled an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 miles from the Black Hills of South Dakota. While such an animal could theoretically pass through New Hampshire, these events are extremely isolated and do not represent a returning population.
The far greater source of reports is the misidentification of common local wildlife. The bobcat is the most frequently mistaken animal, often appearing larger than its actual size, especially when seen in poor light or at a distance. A mountain lion possesses a long, thick tail that can measure nearly three feet in length, which is a major distinction from the bobcat’s recognizably short, “bobbed” tail.
Coyotes, large domestic dogs, and even house cats can also be mistaken for the cougar. Furthermore, confusion often arises from track evidence. Mountain lion paws are large, rounded, and typically do not show claw marks because their claws are retractable. Conversely, the tracks of canids like coyotes and dogs are more elliptical and almost always show distinct claw impressions. This combination of rare dispersal events and consistent misidentification explains the discrepancy between the scientific findings and widespread public conviction.
Responding to Sightings and Safety Guidelines
If a person believes they have encountered a mountain lion in New Hampshire, the proper procedure is to immediately contact the NHF&G Wildlife Division. Wildlife biologists require physical evidence to verify the sighting, so observers should try to gather clear photographic evidence, or note the precise location of tracks or scat. Reports lacking this physical confirmation cannot be officially verified by the department.
Although mountain lion encounters are not a common occurrence in the state, general safety guidelines for hiking in areas where large predators may travel are always useful. If an encounter with any large cat were to occur, never run, as this may trigger a chase response.
Safety Guidelines for Encounters
- Stand your ground and attempt to appear larger by raising your arms or opening a jacket.
- It is also advisable to speak firmly in a loud voice and throw objects if a close encounter continues.
- If hiking with children, pick them up without bending over or turning your back to the animal.
These actions are designed to convince the animal that a person is not prey and presents a potential threat.