Yes, mountain lions are present in Iowa, primarily as transient, dispersing individuals, typically young males. They do not have an established, breeding population within the state.
Current Status of Mountain Lions in Iowa
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, were once native to Iowa but were largely extirpated from the state by the late 1800s, with the last historical record of one being shot in 1867. Sightings began to increase again in the mid-1990s, leading to a renewed presence of these large felines. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) actively tracks and verifies these occurrences through physical evidence such as roadkills, animals shot, verified photos, and confirmed tracks.
The mountain lions observed in Iowa today are predominantly young, dispersing males traveling from established populations in western states like South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. DNA analysis of some individuals killed in Iowa has confirmed their genetic match to these western populations.
While a majority are males, a few female mountain lions have also been documented since 2017. Since 2001, the DNR has documented nearly 50 confirmed mountain lion sightings across Iowa. More than half of these confirmed sightings have occurred since 2019, with 12 confirmed in 2022 and 11 in 2023, indicating an increasing trend in their appearance within the state.
Understanding Mountain Lion Presence
Mountain lions are naturally solitary animals, typically maintaining large territories with little overlap, especially among males. They are most active during dusk and dawn, a period known as crepuscular activity, though they can also hunt and travel during daylight hours. Their diet primarily consists of deer, which are abundant in Iowa, but they are opportunistic predators and will also prey on smaller mammals like rabbits, raccoons, and porcupines, and occasionally livestock.
Despite their confirmed presence, actual sightings of mountain lions are rare due to their elusive nature and tendency to avoid human contact. They are highly skilled at remaining unseen, often using dense cover for movement and hunting. Attacks on humans by mountain lions are rare, even in states with significant, established populations. The low number of transient mountain lions in Iowa, combined with their inherent avoidance of people, means the threat they pose to humans is minimal.
Safety When Encountering a Mountain Lion
While encounters with mountain lions in Iowa are rare, knowing how to react can be beneficial. If an encounter occurs, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a predator’s chase instinct.
Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, or picking up small children without bending over. Make noise by speaking firmly or shouting, and maintain eye contact with the animal. Slowly back away, giving the mountain lion space to retreat. In the rare event of an attack, fight back vigorously with any available objects, focusing on the head and neck area.
Reporting mountain lion sightings to the Iowa DNR is helpful for tracking their movements. When reporting, provide verifiable evidence such as clear photos, videos, or images of tracks. For rural residents, preventative measures can help protect pets and livestock. This includes securing pets indoors at night or in kennels with secure tops, and placing livestock in enclosed barns or sheds. Clearing dense vegetation around properties and using motion-activated lights or sound deterrents can also help to discourage mountain lions from approaching.