Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are present in Oklahoma. While the species was nearly eradicated by the early 20th century, confirmed sightings have increased significantly in recent decades. These large predators are confirmed, albeit infrequent, residents of the state. They have returned primarily as transient visitors, but recent evidence suggests the beginnings of a more established presence.
Current Status and Population Dynamics
For many years, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) maintained that observed mountain lions were almost exclusively transient individuals. These traveling cats are typically young, dispersing males journeying hundreds of miles from established populations in neighboring states like Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. They move through Oklahoma searching for new territory and mates, a natural process that rarely resulted in a sustained, resident population.
This classification was based on a lack of hard evidence, such as verified photographs or DNA samples, confirming the presence of females or kittens. The transient nature of the population meant that individual lions passed through but did not settle down to breed. The ODWC has consistently stated that they have never stocked, relocated, or released any mountain lions into the state.
The status of the population shifted significantly in 2024, when the ODWC confirmed two separate instances of adult female mountain lions with kittens. One sighting of a female with two half-grown kittens occurred in Osage County, and another female with three small kittens was confirmed in Cimarron County. This photographic evidence represents the first documented instances of reproduction, indicating that a population may be establishing itself. This suggests female mountain lions are finding suitable habitat and prey resources to establish territories and raise young.
Geographic Distribution and Evidence
Confirmed mountain lion sightings, which require physical evidence like verified photographs, tracks, or roadkill, have occurred across Oklahoma but are not evenly distributed. The Central Rolling Red Plains ecoregion, located in the western Panhandle, has the most frequent confirmed activity. This region offers low human population density and large blocks of rangeland, creating favorable conditions for animals dispersing from the west.
Confirmed sightings have also occurred in the rugged, forested terrain of the Ouachita Mountains in the southeastern part of the state. Major river corridors, such as the Cimarron and Canadian Rivers, often serve as natural travel routes, guiding the movement of dispersing individuals. The ODWC has confirmed dozens of sightings since it began keeping records, with annual confirmations rising recently due to the increased use of trail cameras by private landowners.
Most reports received by wildlife officials do not yield enough physical evidence to be confirmed, so confirmed cases rely on a strict protocol. Biologists authenticate presence using verified trail camera footage, DNA samples from scat or hair, and examinations of road-killed animals. This rigorous process ensures official records accurately reflect the rare occurrence of the species.
Safety Protocols for Public Coexistence
While encounters are infrequent, residents and outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of safety guidelines, particularly when recreating in confirmed mountain lion areas. A fundamental step is to reduce attractants around homes and properties, especially for those living in rural or semi-rural areas. Securing livestock in fully enclosed corrals and avoiding leaving pet food or water dishes outdoors overnight helps prevent attracting the lion’s natural prey, such as raccoons or deer.
When hiking, travel in groups and keep children close, as mountain lions are most active around dawn and dusk. Making noise while walking alerts animals to a human presence and gives them time to move away, since most mountain lions prefer to avoid human contact. Pets should always be kept on a leash, as a free-roaming pet can easily be mistaken for prey.
If an encounter occurs, do not run, as this can trigger the cat’s chase instinct. Instead, stand your ground and make yourself appear as large as possible by opening a jacket, raising your arms, and maintaining eye contact. Speaking firmly and loudly is recommended, and throwing objects such as rocks or sticks without crouching down can help deter the animal. In the rare event of an attack, fight back aggressively. Individuals who kill a mountain lion in self-defense or while protecting livestock must immediately contact the ODWC to report the incident.