Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are large, elusive predators that historically roamed across North America. They were largely absent from Nebraska for over a century, eliminated by the late 1800s. However, confirmed sightings began to re-emerge in the early 1990s, marking the return of these native carnivores to the state.
Current Population and Status
Nebraska does not have a single statewide estimate for its mountain lion population due to their elusive nature and localized presence. However, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) confirms established breeding populations in specific regions. The Pine Ridge area in northwestern Nebraska, for instance, had an estimated 70 mountain lions, including adults and kittens, in 2023 based on genetic surveys. This indicates a robust and reproducing group.
Beyond the Pine Ridge, evidence points to other established populations. The Niobrara River Valley documented 27 individual mountain lions in 2023, with seven confirmed instances of reproduction, suggesting a growing population. Similarly, the Wildcat Hills region identified 24 individual mountain lions and seven instances of reproduction in 2023. While these areas have confirmed reproducing animals, formal population estimates for the Niobrara Valley and Wildcat Hills are still being developed from ongoing surveys.
Mountain Lion Distribution in Nebraska
Mountain lions in Nebraska are primarily concentrated in the state’s rugged western and north-central areas, which offer suitable habitat. The Pine Ridge in northwestern Nebraska represents the largest and most established habitat. This region features buttes, cliffs, canyons, and Ponderosa pine forests, providing ample cover and prey resources.
Other significant areas include the Niobrara River Valley and the Wildcat Hills. These river valleys and hilly terrains offer dense vegetation, rocky outcrops, and a consistent supply of prey like deer. Young male mountain lions are known to disperse widely, leading to occasional sightings in other parts of the state, including eastern areas.
Tracking and Managing the Population
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) actively tracks and manages the state’s mountain lion population through various scientific methods. One primary technique involves non-invasive genetic surveys, often utilizing detector dogs to locate mountain lion scat. These scat samples are then analyzed to identify individual animals, determine their sex, and contribute to population estimates.
Another method includes placing GPS tracking collars on captured mountain lions, which provides data on their movements, habitat use, and interactions with other wildlife. Public sighting reports and trail camera images also play a role in monitoring their presence and distribution. The NGPC manages mountain lions as a game animal, aiming to maintain healthy and resilient populations that are in balance with available habitat and other species, which includes regulated hunting seasons in specific units.