Many people wonder if mountain lions, often called catamounts in Vermont, roam the state’s forests. This curiosity arises from their elusive nature and historical accounts.
Current Status of Mountain Lions in Vermont
Vermont has no evidence of a resident, breeding population of mountain lions. State and federal wildlife agencies confirm the native Eastern cougar was declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, likely since the 1930s. The last confirmed mountain lion in Vermont was killed in Barnard in 1881, and its mounted specimen is on display at the Vermont History Museum.
Any mountain lion found in Vermont would likely be a transient individual, dispersing from established western populations. A male mountain lion struck by a car in Connecticut in 2011, for instance, was genetically traced over 1,800 miles from South Dakota. Such dispersal events, though rare, show how solitary individuals could pass through Vermont.
Explaining Reported Sightings
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department receives numerous reports of mountain lion sightings each year, around 50 to 75. Most of these sightings are cases of mistaken identity. Animals like bobcats, coyotes, large domestic cats, or even dogs are often confused for mountain lions, particularly in fleeting glimpses or low light.
Historically, mountain lions were present in Vermont until the late 19th century, with bounties offered for their pelts. This historical presence contributes to the persistent belief that they still exist in the wild. While wildlife officials investigate credible reports, they rarely find tangible evidence such as tracks, scat, or carcasses. The possibility of escaped exotic pets also accounts for some unconfirmed sightings.
Distinguishing Mountain Lions from Other Animals
Distinguishing mountain lions from other Vermont wildlife involves recognizing distinct physical characteristics. Mountain lions have a long, thick tail, 2 to 3 feet long, making up about one-third of their total body length. Their fur is typically a uniform tawny or tan color, without spots in adults, and they have a relatively small head with rounded ears that lack tufts. Adult males can be quite large, reaching over 8 feet in length from nose to tail and weighing between 115 to 220 pounds, while females are smaller, around 6 to 7 feet long and weighing 64 to 141 pounds.
In contrast, bobcats are considerably smaller, generally weighing 15 to 35 pounds and having a short, “bobbed” tail, usually around 5 inches long. Bobcats also have a spotted coat and often exhibit ear tufts. Coyotes are dog-like in appearance and gait; their tracks typically show claw marks, unlike mountain lion tracks where claws are usually retracted and not visible unless the animal is slipping. Mountain lion tracks are also notably larger and more circular than the oval-shaped tracks of coyotes or bobcats.