The presence of mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, in New York State frequently sparks public interest and questions. Reports of sightings are common across the state, prompting curiosity about these elusive animals. This article aims to provide clarity on the topic, addressing the historical context, official stances, and how to interpret reported sightings.
Historical Presence and Official Status
Historically, the Eastern Cougar (Puma concolor couguar) once inhabited New York State, with a notable presence in regions like the Catskill Mountains through the 1800s. Due to extensive hunting and habitat loss, this subspecies was hunted to extinction by the 1930s. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared the Eastern Cougar extinct in 2011, removing it from the endangered species list in 2018.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) maintains that there is no native, self-sustaining population of mountain lions in New York. While isolated sightings do occur, these typically involve non-native cougars. Such instances have included captive animals that escaped from licensed facilities or, in rare cases, wild cougars dispersing from western populations.
Identifying Large Feline Sightings
Many reported mountain lion sightings in New York are often cases of mistaken identity. Bobcat, fisher, coyote, and even large domestic cats or dogs are frequently misidentified. Mountain lions are significantly larger than bobcats, with adult males weighing between 100-150 pounds and females between 55-90 pounds, and they possess a long tail that can be up to three feet long. In contrast, bobcats are much smaller, typically weighing 12-20 pounds, with a distinctive “bobbed” tail. Coyotes, while similar in size to a German shepherd, have long, skinny legs and a bushy, black-tipped tail, differentiating them from felines.
Credible evidence is necessary to confirm a mountain lion sighting, as anecdotal reports are often unreliable. Physical evidence such as clear photographs or videos, verifiable tracks, DNA from hair or scat, or a carcass are crucial for confirmation. The DEC will only investigate reports where such physical evidence exists or if a captive animal has been reported missing.
What to Do During an Encounter
Encountering a large wild feline requires remaining calm. If you believe you have encountered a mountain lion, avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response in the animal. Instead, stand your ground, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms or opening your jacket, and speak loudly and firmly. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away, giving the animal space to retreat.
If the animal approaches or acts aggressively, throw objects at it without turning your back. In the rare event of an attack, fight back with anything available, focusing on the animal’s face and eyes. Do not play dead with a cougar. Report any suspected mountain lion sightings to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) by emailing the Bureau of Wildlife or contacting your regional DEC office. Provide photographs of the animal, tracks, or scat, along with specific details about the location and time of the sighting.