Mountain lions, also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers, are large, solitary carnivores that once roamed widely across North America. Despite their historical absence from much of the Midwest, there is increasing public interest in their current status and presence in Missouri. This article explores the reality of mountain lions in the state, addressing common questions about their numbers, confirmed sightings, origins, and appropriate responses to an encounter.
Understanding Missouri’s Mountain Lion Population
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) does not consider Missouri to have an established, breeding population of mountain lions. Any mountain lions found within the state are generally transient individuals. It is challenging to determine an exact number of mountain lions in Missouri because they are elusive, wide-ranging animals. The MDC classifies the mountain lion as “extirpated” in Missouri, meaning it is considered extinct as a viable breeding population from this part of its historical range.
Documented Presence and Evidence
Mountain lions are occasionally present in Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Conservation verifies these occurrences through various forms of concrete evidence. The MDC’s Large Carnivore Response Team (LCRT) investigates reports using verified photographs, DNA evidence from hair or scat, and confirmed tracks. Since 1994, the LCRT has confirmed over 100 cases of mountain lion presence in Missouri. From the mid-2000s, the MDC has averaged about eight confirmed mountain lion reports per year. While thousands of reports are received annually, less than one percent provide sufficient physical evidence for confirmation, as many are cases of mistaken identity, often involving bobcats or large dogs.
Where Missouri’s Mountain Lions Come From
The mountain lions observed in Missouri primarily originate from established populations in western states. Young male mountain lions often travel long distances, sometimes hundreds of miles, in search of new territories and mates. Genetic samples from mountain lions confirmed in Missouri suggest many of these animals disperse from states such as Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. While females typically do not travel as far as males, their presence increases the possibility of future breeding within the state.
What to Do if You See a Mountain Lion
If you encounter a mountain lion, it is important to remain calm and follow specific safety guidelines. Do not approach the animal, and never run, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms, opening your jacket, or picking up small children or pets. Maintain eye contact with the animal, make noise, and slowly back away, giving the mountain lion an escape route.
Report any mountain lion sightings to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) by emailing their Large Carnivore Response Team at [email protected]. When reporting, include clear photos, videos, or detailed descriptions of physical evidence like tracks or scat, along with the exact location and time of the sighting. The MDC investigates reports, especially those involving human safety or substantial physical evidence, to gather more information about these animals in the state.