Many people wonder if mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, or catamounts, roam the forests of Vermont. Understanding the official stance and scientific evidence provides clarity on this frequently asked question.
The Current Status of Mountain Lions in Vermont
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department maintains a clear position: there is no established, resident breeding population of these big cats in the state. While 40 to 75 sightings are reported annually, none provide verifiable evidence like tracks, scat, den sites, or photographs, making them unconfirmed.
Any mountain lion confirmed in the eastern United States is a transient, often a young male, from established western U.S. populations. For example, a male cougar struck by a car in Connecticut in 2011 was genetically traced back to South Dakota, a journey of approximately 2,000 miles. Such instances demonstrate the impressive dispersal capabilities of these animals, but they do not indicate a resident breeding presence in Vermont.
A Look Back: Historical Presence
Mountain lions, historically known as “catamounts” in Vermont, were once native to the state’s ecosystems. These large felines played a role as apex predators, helping to regulate prey populations. However, their presence in Vermont ceased by the late 19th century.
The last confirmed mountain lion killed in Vermont was shot by a hunter in Barnard on Thanksgiving Day in 1881. Its disappearance was driven by extensive habitat loss due to agricultural clearing and hunting, often encouraged by bounties. The eastern cougar subspecies was formally declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2018.
What People Often See Instead
Many reported mountain lion sightings in Vermont are misidentifications of other native animals, especially during fleeting glimpses or in low light.
The bobcat is frequently mistaken for a mountain lion due to its elusive nature and cat-like appearance. However, bobcats are considerably smaller, weighing between 15 to 35 pounds, and possess a distinctive short, “bobbed” tail, unlike the mountain lion’s long, thick tail. Their coats are spotted, whereas mountain lions have a uniform tan or tawny color.
Coyotes are another animal sometimes misidentified; while they can appear larger at a distance, their canine features, such as a bushy tail and different track patterns, distinguish them from felines. Large domestic cats or dogs can also be mistaken for wild felines, particularly if seen from afar.
Reporting Suspected Sightings
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department encourages reporting suspected sightings. The agency collects data on rare furbearer observations to monitor wildlife patterns and potential transient animals. Accurate, detailed information is crucial for verification.
When reporting, clear photographs or videos are beneficial. Provide a precise location, time of day, and detailed description of the animal’s appearance and behavior. Evidence like tracks or scat, if safely obtainable, also helps. While most reports turn out to be misidentifications, official reporting helps the department track potential dispersing animals and understand broader wildlife movements.