Davis noted there were no valid records of a mountain lion in the state after Currently, the nearest wild population of mountain lions resides in Nebraska, more than miles from Kentucky. A small population of panthers — fewer than animals — also lives in southwestern Florida.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources receive reports each year of mountain lions roaming the state. However, there have been only two confirmations: a female kitten struck by a car in Floyd County in June , and an adult male mountain lion dispatched by a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conservation officer in Bourbon County on December 15, DNA testing revealed the kitten had South American ancestry, leading to the conclusion that it was of captive origin.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists rely on physical, verifiable evidence to assess mountain lion sightings in the state. Bobcats, which were considered rare as late as , have increased in range and abundance throughout Kentucky. They are now found in every county in the state. Bobcats may have solid brown coats, which can cause people to misidentify them when glimpsed in low light. In addition, it is no coincidence that reports of mountain lions have increased with the popularity of the internet- which enables the unintentional and intentional sharing of inaccurate information.
A good indicator of the presence of mountain lions is the number of animals killed on the road. In Florida, with its small population of panthers, about two dozen of the big cats are killed on the road each year. Several years ago, a hunter shot what he said was a mountain lion with his bow. DNA tests on the recovered arrow revealed that he had actually shot a bobcat.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists are monitoring the expansion of cougar populations from the western U. To help protect the public from escaped captive animals, the department has banned the possession of mountain lions as pets since Radiocollared mountain lion captured on a remote camera in North Dakota.
Female mountain lion treed by researchers in Washington state. Classification: Mountain lions are carnivores classified within the Family Felidae. Its closest cousins are the jaguarundi Puma yagouaroundi and cheetah Acinonyx jubatas. Biologists continue to debate the taxonomy of mountain lions, particularly the question of whether North American mountain lions comprise a single or multiple subspecies. General Description: Mountain lions are easy to distinguish from other large cats in North America by their large body and long tail.
The short, tawny brown fur that covers most of their body easily blends with most surroundings. Short black fur covers the backs of the ears, the tip of the tail and the sides of the muzzle. Mountain lions have sharp, curved claws to help them climb and bring down prey. Mountain lions usually retract their claws when walking. Behavior: Mountain lions are solitary animals except during the breeding season or when females are raising kittens.
The young typically remain with their mother for 2 years. During this time, the young animals learn from their mother how to hunt and survive. The officers are instructed to spot the mountain lion, track it and alert the public to any danger. State biologists are almost certain the same juvenile male lion is responsible for the entire cluster of recent sightings in Petaluma.
Due to a source error, the article also mischaracterized the agency responsible for tranquilizing the animal. If you would like your question featured in Ask the PAC, simply email askpac arguscourier. No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks.
No off-topic remarks. No disinformation about current events. We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy. The pound female mountain lion was estimated to be two-years-old and was in good body condition.
Mineral Ave. Quebec St.
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