There is no established, breeding population of mountain lions in Rhode Island. Although occasional sightings are reported, these instances do not indicate a resident presence.
Official Stance on Mountain Lions in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s wildlife agencies, including RIDEM, state there is no evidence of a resident breeding population of mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, in the state. Unconfirmed sightings lack the physical evidence necessary for official confirmation. Wildlife officials in 21 eastern states agree the eastern cougar population has been eliminated from the eastern United States.
The possibility of transient individuals cannot be entirely ruled out. These dispersing mountain lions, typically young males, might travel vast distances from established western populations in search of new territories. One documented case involved a male mountain lion struck by a vehicle in Connecticut in 2011, with genetic testing linking it to a population in the Black Hills of South Dakota. However, such occurrences are rare and do not signify permanent settlement or breeding activity within Rhode Island.
Understanding Their Natural Range and Movement
Mountain lions historically roamed across North America. However, their populations in the eastern United States were largely eliminated by the early 20th century due to extensive hunting and habitat loss. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared the eastern cougar subspecies extinct in 2011.
Today, breeding populations are primarily found in 15 western states, with the distinct Florida panther in the Southeast. While some eastward expansion has occurred into Midwestern states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas, vast distances and increasing human development with high-traffic roads present significant barriers to natural recolonization further east. Dispersing individuals can travel hundreds of miles, but establishing breeding populations far outside their current range is unlikely without reintroductions.
Distinguishing Local Wildlife
Many reported mountain lion sightings in Rhode Island are misidentifications of other common wildlife. Bobcats, coyotes, and even large domestic dogs share characteristics that can lead to confusion. Bobcats are significantly smaller than mountain lions, typically weighing 15 to 35 pounds and standing 18 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. They possess a distinctive spotted coat, tufted ears, and a short, “bobbed” tail. In contrast, mountain lions are much larger, with adults weighing 80 to 150 pounds or more, standing 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, and featuring a uniform tan or tawny coat with a long, thick tail.
Coyotes, another commonly mistaken animal, are canids, not felines. They are smaller than mountain lions, typically weighing 15 to 45 pounds, and have a more slender build, pointed snouts, and bushy tails. Their tracks are also distinct: coyote tracks are more elongated with visible claw marks, while feline tracks, like those of bobcats and mountain lions, are rounder and typically do not show claw marks because their claws are retractable. The overall size of the track is also a key differentiator, with mountain lion tracks being considerably larger than those of bobcats or coyotes.
Reporting Suspected Sightings
If you believe you have seen a mountain lion in Rhode Island, it is important to report the observation to the appropriate authorities. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife requests public assistance in reporting wildlife observations. You can contact them directly to provide details about your sighting.
When reporting, gather as much specific information as possible. This includes the exact date, time, and location of the sighting, a detailed description of the animal, its behavior, and any evidence such as tracks, scat, or prey remains. Photographic or video evidence is particularly helpful for verification. While mountain lion sightings are not confirmed in Rhode Island, reporting any unusual wildlife encounters contributes to the state’s understanding of its animal populations.