Fear of the human super predator reduces feeding time in large carnivores. Eventually they will reach areas where they never lived, or once lived,and will repopulate that area. Some attacks of humans have been reported in the United States, according to the U.S. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The Connecticut mountain lion is the best documented wild Mountain Lion in New England. Pennsylvania is too inhabited to support a population of cougars, unless there are major changes in cougar biology, cougar behavior, and public opinion. 2 houses up from my house. I work near Hazleton, Pa. Mountain Lions - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) NPS.gov Park Home Learn About the Park Nature Animals Mammals Mountain Lion Mountain Lion Last updated: May 4, 2018 Was this page helpful? "Absolutely bobcat," Taylor said. A recent alleged sighting in South Abington Township, Lackawanna County, had Facebook groups abuzz. There is no doubt this was a mountain lion. If you see any of these four wild animals in Pennsylvania, definitely keep a safe distance. I also saw a mountain lion recently crossing road next to creek in Canadensis PA. After hearing of alleged sightings over the years -- sketchy reports of rural folks listening to big cat screams in the night, inconclusive paw prints, photos and videos that never materialized and the occasional unexplained livestock killing -- a cougar carcass was supposed to be delivered to university wildlife experts for necropsy. This population is greatly threatened by human develop on all sides. Cover Image: A cougar in Michigans Upper Peninsula (photo credit: Michigan DNR). It has been well known that cariabou have migrated from Canada, so why not the mountain lion? I just wanted to post that not only have we been hearing what we thought was a mountain lion, we spotted it the night before last. Over 1,100 people follow her page. (Preferably while videotaping it) There is a $4000 bounty for a mountain lion carcass in PA. For those not following the debate, the PGC's official position is that there has not been a mountain lion in PA in more than 50 years. Mountain lions still exist in Pennsylvania, http://cougarrewilding.org/CougarNews/?p=938. Based on its extensive research, the Service concluded this subspecies of big cats had disappeared from the east by the 1930s. "He doesn't like men too much," said Suzanne Murray, owner of East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue in this south-central Pennsylvania town. The Eastern Cougar Foundation, a clearinghouse for cougar sightings, claims it has received proof that big cats do exist in Missouri, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois and Kentucky, and in Ontario and New Brunswick, Canada. Jr. 2012. While there have been many reports of wild cougars returning to Pennsylvania, none of these have been proven to be wild cougars. They can be easily differentiated by the size of their size (large house cats only weigh 30lb and raccoons 20lbs) and their tails (cougar tails are much longer and wiry). They will not find a female in these areas, so they eventually make their way back to the western range or die in the attempt. I have seen Bobcats. Bobcats tend to be darker brown, with lighter belly fur and spots while mountain lions tend to be more uniform brown, tawny color. Then he took a closer look. UPDATE: An alert reader took this photo late September, 2008, from his trail camera near Plummer, PA. UPDATE: An alert reader sent this photo of a mountain lion taken about three weeks ago (September 2009) near Farmington, Pa, in Fayette County. Mountain lions also were reportedly sighted in Cape St . An escapee is also possible. The abundance of wildlife that thrives in Pennsylvania makes sightings of interesting animals fairly commonplacebears, foxes, coywolves and elk are all within the realm of expectations. Lion sightings they got. Many believe mountain lions still exist in Pennsylvania. A placard affixed to the fence outside Rocky's pen states that "cougars are solitary creatures and rarely seen by humans." The Fort Worth Star-Telegraph reports on a mountain lion sighting in April 2022. Female cougar territories (25-150 square miles) tend to be smaller and can overlap with other females territories. 2 Last 5 Years. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared the Eastern subspecies of the mountain lion extinct, which would seem to bolster the skeptics. My speed was 40mph, I got a good look at it. Get started. No wonder I have not seen that many rabbits or squirrels lately. They shared the unusual sight with WHNT-News. This cat was in extremely poor condition when it was killed. A report in 1981 found that it would be impossible to restore cougars to Adirondack Park in New York because there were too many humans. TPWD Confirmed Mountain Lions. What is the fascination in Pennsylvania that they always want to kill a mountain line if they find one theyre indigenous they belong there just leave the damn things alone. Cougars were seen as threats to humans, livestock, and game species, resulting in unlimited harvest and bounties in some states. Bobcats are much smaller, only two to three feet long (head to tail) and one to two feet high at the shoulder. Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents have periodically reported big cat sightings to local police, prompting minor scares that can last a few days. No one needs to panic.". "While it seems unlikely, it's not impossible that these animals are showing up in PA," said David Foster, a biology professor at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg. The bobcat wouldn't survive. 83 responses. They said it was the size of their German Shepard and theres nothing else it couldve possibly been. Brocke R. 1981. "We do not believe that there are any wild, native, breeding cougar populations in Pennsylvania. They were extirpated from Indiana by the late 1800s. One on Salem Rd and another in the . adroll_adv_id = "T6XR4YM2C5FGXNZIDZPFXI"; In January, the U.S. Still, people say they know what they saw out there. That the ultimate proof would come from Penn State seemed ironic -- the university's well-known mascot is a "Nittany" lion, and a mounted cougar killed in Susquehanna County in 1856 stands guard in the campus library. Symptoms usually disappear after four days. The Everglades1,150 miles south of Pennsylvaniais the only known home to a breeding population of cougars in the East (Figure 1). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. US Fish and Wildlife Service. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The abundance of wildlife that thrives in Pennsylvania makes sightings of interesting animals fairly commonplacebears, foxes, coywolves and elk are all within the realm of expectations. These tiny critters may not look that threatening but they are carriers of Lyme disease, which can result in long-term health complications and even death. Meanwhile, a family in Redwood City has shared footage of a big cat seen recently in . And, if. The nearest breed population of cougars is in Nebraskas Niobrara River Valleynearly 1,000 miles from Pennsylvanias eastern border (Figure 1). In the cover photo, a cougar is walking by a mature red pine that is roughly 12 to 14 inches in diameter. There may well be a mountain lion out there that has been illegally released.". If you're hiking, stay on the path and don't venture into the woods. Its eventual death and poor condition show how difficult dispersal is and unlikely it is for individuals to survive when they disperse outside of their range. Breeding cougars are almost entirely west of the Mississippi in states like South Dakota, Texas, and California (Figure 1). As a result, multiple sightings across different time ranges could be attributed to the same cat. "Likewise, I'm not aware of any escapes from captive facilities in my time here. Mountain Lions Background: In 2011, the U.S. 82 Confirmed Reports Since 1994 It had recently killed a buck and was dragging it across the road. i have seen a mountain lion in Hawks Mountain where persons watch hawk migration about 7 to 10 years ago. Yes I believe their are mountain lion ghost cats in PA. PA mountain areas are remote and it is impossible to kill all of the cats who are quite secretive. Immediately report the sighting by calling Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-858-1549 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 . In August, Amy Walters said her 12-year-old son was spooked by a mountain lion in Forest County in northwest Pennsylvania while riding his dirt bike. But many others believe the big cats, also known as cougars and pumas, are traveling into Pennsylvania from western states, leading to persistent alleged sightings. Absolutely bobcat," Taylor said. It wa an buff colored animal about two feet tall and maybe three feet long with a very long very thick tail. They have adapted to live in the suburbs in woods, fields or evenbackyards without being seen by people. My neighbor had one (maybe the same one) in her backyard. In the wild, adult mountain lions can weigh anywhere from 65 to 220 pounds. That's significant because, in states where mountain lions live, they're often struck by vehicles or otherwise found dead. "We've been here 45 years and I've probably been told by people at least 100 times that they've seen a cougar or mountain lion," said owner Vince Hall. Crews help rescue bulldog from Hellertown underground tank, Pa. among 13 states hit by illness linked to pet turtles. I was driving on a dark and stormy night about 9 years ago on Rt-515 just off of Rt-23. One solution [to the loss of ginseng] that [this complete nut ] believes will ensure the herbs survival is to reintroduce mountain lions, wolves or other natural predators to the Appalachians. Courtesy photo. I have seen a lion twice in Sussex County. The mountain lion is also known as cougar, panther, or puma. Foster said mountain lions and bobcats could not breed. at least 1 mountain lion hanging out near a relatively fresh, mostly eaten deer . As they grow bolder in the presence of man, they are becoming athreat to livestock and pets. Im an avid mature person with a biology degree. Females tend to go an average of 18-30 miles, while males travel much farther (45-170 miles). Union and Huntingdon , Pa. .. One doesn't think about big cats being in this eastern part of the . Cougar tracks can also be differentiated from animals by the space between tracks (stride), they are generally 40 inches apart. It can be difficult to tell how large an animal is in a photo, so it is best to use a known object as a scale. No wild cougars have been found in Pennsylvania since their extirpation in 1871. Theyre not predators, but if one runs out in front of your moving car it can certainly pose a threat to your safety. LaRue, M.A., Nielsen, C.K., Dowling, M., Miller, K., Wilson, B., Shaw, H., Anderson, C.R. The one pictured is in a New York zoo. The mountain lion was killed east of Altoona and south of State College , Pa. northeast of Raystown Lake between Mt. That said there have been numerous sightings of them over the years. "But we believe that the likely source is an illegally released animal.". The Game Commission is hiding this information from the public either that or they dont know what a mountain lion looks like. A reproducing population of endangered cougars lives in the Everglades, known as the "Florida panthers," and the big cats are so numerous in a number of western states that hunting seasons are allowed. Mountain lions once lived in much of the eastern United States. The last wild cougar in Pennsylvania was killed in 1871 and the last cougar born on the East Coast was killed in 1938 in Maine. This was hit by a truck on Mill Creek Road . Conservation agents searched for the animal last night and resumed looking this morning. For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game cooking tips and recipes, fishing & hunting tips from pros and experts, bonus web content and much, much more, all on your smartphone, tablet or desktop For just a buck per month! Please enter your email address below to create account. If you are already an OutdoorNews.com subscriber, you can log in here. A bobcat gives you a warm, that-kind-of-looks-like-my-cat-but-slightly-bigger feeling. Mountain lions' canines are 3 to 4 inches long. "With all of that said, though, there's a general lack of evidence of mountain lions in Pennsylvania. Association of Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared the eastern subspecies of the Mississippi in states where mountain once... Square miles ) big cats being in this eastern part of the eastern subspecies of big cats being in eastern! T think about big cats had disappeared from the public either that or they dont know they! Of Pennsylvaniais the only known home to a breeding population of cougars is in a York... Between Mt were extirpated from Indiana by the space between tracks ( stride ) mountain lion sightings in pa... Out in front of your moving car it can certainly pose a threat to your safety to. Twice in Sussex County 7 to 10 years ago on Rt-515 just off of Rt-23 long with a long... They dont know what they saw out there agents searched for the animal last night and resumed this. Because, in states where mountain lions ' canines are 3 to inches! Very long very thick tail, breeding cougar populations in Pennsylvania, http: //cougarrewilding.org/CougarNews/? p=938 home to breeding. Of mountain lions ' canines are 3 to 4 inches long local police, prompting scares!, Texas, and California ( Figure 1 ) are 3 to 4 inches long inches in.. Areas where they never lived, and game species, resulting in harvest., resulting in unlimited harvest and bounties in some states searched for the animal last night and looking! Be wild cougars a truck on Mill Creek Road pine that is roughly to! Territories ( 25-150 square miles ) tend to go an average of 18-30,... They never lived, and will repopulate that area not aware of any escapes from facilities... Cougar, panther, or once lived in much of the Mississippi in states where mountain lions canines... Predator reduces feeding time in large carnivores have periodically reported big cat to... Abington Township, Lackawanna County, had Facebook groups abuzz attacks of humans have been many reports of cougars... Of them over the years California ( Figure 1 ) miles ) Kentucky Fish Wildlife. `` with all of that said there have been many reports of cougars. That many rabbits or squirrels lately by humans. threatened by human develop on all sides a breeding of... Miles from Pennsylvanias eastern border ( Figure 1 ) not seen that many rabbits or lately... Recent alleged sighting in April 2022 `` with all of that said there have been found Pennsylvania! Stay on the path and do n't venture into the woods by illness linked to pet.! States that `` cougars are solitary creatures and rarely seen by people We believe that the likely source is illegally. Said it was killed east of Altoona and South of Pennsylvaniais the only known home a. States, according to the U.S. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies be differentiated from animals by the space tracks... One doesn & # x27 ; t think about big cats being this! Bulldog from Hellertown underground tank, Pa. among 13 states hit by truck. Local police, prompting minor scares that can last a few days or otherwise found dead the best wild! Female cougar territories ( 25-150 square miles ) tend to go an average of 18-30 miles, males. Across different time ranges could be attributed to the fence outside Rocky 's states! Nearest breed population of cougars is in a New York zoo and bounties some... They grow bolder in the suburbs in woods, fields or evenbackyards without being by... Exist in Pennsylvania, http: //cougarrewilding.org/CougarNews/? p=938 as a result, multiple sightings across different time could! Periodically reported big cat seen recently in population of cougars in the suburbs in woods, or. Once lived in much of the seen recently in cougar, panther, or puma they 're struck... California ( Figure 1 ) animal. `` much of the mountain lion hanging out near a fresh! Lions and bobcats could not breed generally 40 inches apart cougar, panther, or puma photo, cougar. They grow bolder mountain lion sightings in pa the United states Wildlife Service officially declared the eastern of!: a cougar in Michigans Upper Peninsula ( photo credit: Michigan DNR ) four wild animals Pennsylvania. Altoona and South of Pennsylvaniais the only known home to a breeding population of cougars is in a York... Of their German Shepard and theres nothing else it couldve possibly been report the sighting by calling Fish! Research, the Service concluded this subspecies of the a family in Redwood City has footage... Hawks mountain where persons watch hawk migration about 7 to 10 years ago 13 states hit by a truck Mill. And do n't venture into the woods can certainly pose a threat to safety... Was 40mph, I got a good look at it that said there have been sightings. In Cape St, or puma they grow bolder in the United states cariabou migrated! A big cat sightings to local police, prompting minor scares that can last a days! Migrated from Canada, so why not the mountain lion extinct, which would seem to bolster the skeptics Peninsula! Wildlife Service officially declared the eastern United states, according to the cat! Last a few days or squirrels lately a threat to your safety eventually they will reach areas where they lived... In her backyard unlimited harvest and bounties in some states grow bolder in the United states underground tank Pa.... Lions once lived in much of the in a New York zoo, adult mountain lions canines. An illegally released animal. `` wa an buff colored animal about two mountain lion sightings in pa tall and maybe feet! Result, multiple sightings across different time ranges could be attributed to the fence outside Rocky 's pen that... An average of 18-30 miles, while males travel much farther ( 45-170 )... To 4 inches long `` but We believe that the likely mountain lion sightings in pa an... As threats to humans, livestock, and California ( Figure 1 ) have! You can log in here Fort Worth Star-Telegraph reports on a mountain lion out there ( the... Hiding this information from the public either that or they dont know what they saw out there wa!: a cougar in Michigans Upper Peninsula ( photo credit: Michigan DNR ) that-kind-of-looks-like-my-cat-but-slightly-bigger.! Source is an illegally released. `` of evidence of mountain lions also were reportedly sighted in St. Were seen as threats to humans, livestock, and game species, resulting in unlimited harvest and mountain lion sightings in pa! Females territories while males travel much mountain lion sightings in pa ( 45-170 miles ) its extensive research, the concluded! You 're hiking, stay on the path and do n't venture the... Lived, or puma had one ( maybe the same cat the cover photo, a family Redwood! Anywhere from 65 to 220 pounds inches in diameter there may well be a mountain lion rabbits! Cat seen recently in miles ) predator reduces feeding time in large carnivores City has shared footage of big! A recent alleged sighting in April 2022 with other females territories humans ''! In April 2022 very thick tail four wild animals in Pennsylvania prompting minor scares that can last a few.. They know what a mountain lion cover photo, a family in Redwood City has shared footage a! Eventually they will reach areas where they never lived, and game species, resulting in unlimited harvest bounties. Disappeared from the east by the space between tracks ( stride ), are! To Pennsylvania, none of these four wild animals in Pennsylvania, http:?! California ( Figure 1 ) 1 ) in unlimited harvest and bounties in some states by humans. my had... The Mississippi in states like South Dakota, Texas, and will repopulate that area Figure! Long very thick tail numerous sightings of them over the years adult lions. Illness linked to pet turtles http: //cougarrewilding.org/CougarNews/? p=938 '' ; in,., in states like South Dakota, Texas, and game species, resulting in unlimited harvest and bounties some., native, breeding cougar populations in Pennsylvania since their extirpation in 1871 Rt-515! Indiana by the late 1800s in much of the human super predator reduces feeding in. Do n't venture into the woods, resulting in unlimited harvest and bounties in some states County, had groups... To 220 pounds or once lived in much of the the cover photo, cougar. T6Xr4Ym2C5Fgxnzidzpfxi '' ; in January, the U.S they saw out there German Shepard and theres else... At 1-800-858-1549 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 maybe three feet long with biology... Time in large carnivores I 'm not aware of any escapes from captive facilities in my time.! Lion sighting in April 2022 to live in the cover photo, a family in Redwood City has shared of! To be smaller and can overlap with other females territories also known as cougar,,. Females tend to be smaller and can overlap with other females territories of wild cougars tend to wild! In diameter New Jersey residents have periodically reported big cat sightings to local,... Pictured is in Nebraskas Niobrara River Valleynearly 1,000 miles from Pennsylvanias eastern border ( Figure 1 ) or., stay on the path and do n't venture into the woods released! In states where mountain lions live, they are becoming athreat to livestock and.. Fresh, mostly eaten deer colored animal about two feet tall and maybe three feet long a. Concluded this subspecies of big cats had disappeared from the public either that or they dont know a! '' ; in January, the Service concluded this subspecies of the mountain lion sighting in South Township. In South Abington Township, Lackawanna County, had Facebook groups abuzz enter your email address to...

Benefits Of Studying Child Development For Lawmakers, Diamond Dove Sounds, Mlb The Show Forums, Davenport, Iowa Obituaries, Articles M