The presence of panthers, also known as cougars or mountain lions, in Louisiana often sparks curiosity. While not commonly seen, their status is a complex topic rooted in historical context and occasional verified sightings. Understanding their current status requires examining official reports and distinguishing fact from misconception.
The Official Status of Panthers in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) states there is no established, breeding population of cougars, also known as panthers, within the state. This conclusion is based on a lack of consistent physical evidence like tracks, scat, or roadkill. However, transient individuals, typically young males dispersing from states like Texas or New Mexico, occasionally pass through Louisiana.
A common misconception involves reports of “black panthers” in Louisiana. While the term “panther” can refer to cougars, jaguars, or leopards, only cougars were historically native to the region. There has never been a documented black cougar in North America. Melanism, the genetic variation that causes a black coat, occurs in jaguars native to South America and leopards native to Africa. North American cougars are typically tan to brownish-grey.
The LDWF has confirmed several cougar sightings in Louisiana since 2002 through photographic evidence or DNA analysis of scat. For instance, a confirmed sighting occurred in Lake Fausse Point State Park in 2002, verified by DNA. A cougar was also photographed by a trail camera in northeast Louisiana in November 2016. Cougars are protected under state and federal law, making it illegal to kill them, with penalties that can include significant fines and jail time.
Historical Presence and Decline
Cougars were once widespread across Louisiana’s forested basins, including the Mississippi, Atchafalaya, Tensas, Ouachita, and Black rivers. These large predators were a natural component of the state’s ecosystem. However, their numbers began to decline significantly by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This decline was largely due to extensive habitat loss, human encroachment, and unregulated hunting. Early settlers often killed cougars to protect livestock, and over-hunting of their primary prey, such as white-tailed deer, further reduced their food sources. The subspecies of cougar historically found in Louisiana, the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), is now believed to be extirpated from the state. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared the Eastern cougar subspecies extinct in 2018, having found no evidence of its existence for decades.
Distinguishing Sightings
When people report seeing a “panther” in Louisiana, these sightings are often cases of misidentification. Animals commonly mistaken for cougars include bobcats, large domestic cats, coyotes, large dogs, and even bears or wild hogs, especially when seen from a distance or in poor lighting conditions. Cougars are typically tan to brownish-gray, with a long, thick tail that often has a black tip. Adults can weigh between 70 and 120 pounds and measure about seven feet from nose to the tip of their tail, standing roughly two feet tall at the shoulders.
While a resident population of cougars does not exist, the rare sightings of transient individuals are possible. These animals are often young males that have dispersed from established populations in neighboring states. For example, DNA analysis of a cougar killed in Bossier City in 2008 indicated it originated from a New Mexico population. However, cougars are naturally secretive and stealthy animals, making them difficult to spot even in areas with established populations. The lack of consistent physical evidence, such as tracks or kills, in Louisiana often points to misidentification rather than the presence of a stable, wild cougar.
Reporting and Conservation
If you believe you have sighted a cougar in Louisiana, it is important to prioritize safety by never approaching the animal. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) encourages the public to report verifiable sightings, especially those with physical evidence. This evidence could include photographs, videos, clear tracks, or scat.
When reporting, it is helpful to provide specific details such as the exact location, time of the sighting, and a detailed description of the animal. This information assists wildlife biologists in their efforts to document and understand transient cougar movements. Reports can be made by contacting Maria Davidson, LDWF’s Large Carnivore Program Manager. The LDWF maintains that cougars are protected animals, and documenting their occasional presence contributes to broader wildlife management efforts.