The presence of mountain lions (also known as cougars or pumas, Puma concolor) in Pennsylvania sparks considerable public interest. Many residents believe they have spotted these elusive large cats. This article clarifies the scientific and official stance on mountain lions in Pennsylvania, addressing common questions and explaining the evidence.
Current Status in Pennsylvania
There is no established wild, breeding population of mountain lions in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) consistently affirms this status, stating any mountain lions encountered are likely transient individuals or escaped captive animals. Confirming a wild population requires consistent evidence like verified tracks, genetic testing of scat or hair, or repeated sightings of breeding pairs or dens. Such verifiable evidence, including roadkill or clear game camera footage, is notably absent. The state’s extensive road network and high number of hunters would make it difficult for a large population to remain undetected.
Historical Presence and Extirpation
Mountain lions were once native to Pennsylvania and played a role in the region’s ecosystems. Their historical range extended across the eastern United States, from the Canadian Yukon to the Straits of Magellan.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mountain lions were largely extirpated from Pennsylvania. This disappearance was primarily due to extensive habitat loss, increased human settlement, and unregulated hunting practices. The last known wild eastern mountain lion in Pennsylvania was killed in Berks County in 1874. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared the eastern cougar subspecies extinct in 2011, noting it likely disappeared by the 1930s.
Explaining Reported Sightings
Reports of mountain lion sightings in Pennsylvania are common, yet they are most often cases of misidentification. Animals frequently mistaken for mountain lions include bobcats, large domestic cats, coyotes, or even large dogs. Bobcats, which are more populous in Pennsylvania, can be confused due to their feline appearance, though they are significantly smaller and have short tails. Poor lighting, distance, and the excitement of a rare sighting can distort perception.
The possibility of escaped or released captive mountain lions also exists, though these are isolated incidents and do not indicate a wild population. Verified identifications require concrete evidence such as DNA analysis from scat or hair, or clear, measurable tracks. Mountain lion tracks are larger than dog tracks, more round than oval, and do not show claw marks because their claws are retractable.
Official Guidance and Reporting
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) encourages citizens to report suspected encounters, stressing the importance of concrete evidence like clear photos, videos, tracks, or scat. Investigations consistently show most reports are misidentifications, often of bobcats or feral house cats. The PGC maintains there is no wild, breeding population of mountain lions in the state. If a resident believes they have seen a mountain lion, they should contact the PGC’s Centralized Dispatch Center, which is staffed 24/7. This allows officials to investigate and maintain accurate records.