Are there Mountain Lions in New York State? With its bustling cities and urban landscapes, NYS may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of mountain lions. 

However, the question of whether they roam the state has piqued the curiosity of many. Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are large cats native to North America. 

Historically, they were once common in New York State, but overhunting and habitat loss led to their extirpation in the late 19th century. 

However, there have been numerous reports and sightings of mountain lions in recent years, sparking a debate about their existence in the state. 

So, if you’re curious whether these elusive predators are lurking in the forests of New York State, keep reading to find out the full story.

Are There Mountain Lions In New York State?

The presence of mountain lions in New York State was once a common occurrence; in recent years, however, their numbers have significantly dwindled. 

While sightings of the cougars have been reported in the state, the official stance is that mountain lions are extinct in New York. 

However, this hasn’t stopped rumors and speculations from circulating. Some believe mountain lions may still roam the untouched wilderness of upstate New York.

No Mountain Lions in Upstate New York for Now, Future Presence Uncertain, Say Experts

The last verified sighting of an eastern cougar in New York was in 1938 in Maine. Today, the species only exist in breeding numbers out west and a small population in Florida.

While there’s evidence suggesting cougars could return to NY in the Adirondack mountain range, experts believe it won’t happen soon. 

This is because of various factors such as mortality levels, public tolerance, and the presence of roads and humans.

Sightings of cougars reported by locals upstate are often cases of mistaken identity. The Department of Conservation attributes them to coyotes, wild bobcats, or fishers.

Confirmed sightings of cougars in New York and neighboring states have occurred. But they are believed to be western transients or escaped pets, with no evidence of breeding populations.

Even if cougars were to colonize their former range in the East, it’s highly unlikely they would reach rural Long Island. This is due to the current development landscape, road networks, and limited food supply.

How to Report Mountain Lion Sighting in New York State?

Reporting a mountain lion sighting in New York State is essential for accurate investigations. If you believe you’ve seen a cougar, first check for tracks, scat, or other signs left by the animal. 

For tracks:

Source: https://mountainlion.org/

• Look for three lobes at the bottom of the pad.
• Teardrop-shaped toes distinguish them from dogs and bobcats.
• Tracks are between 3 and 3.5 inches wide.
• Claw marks are usually not visible.

For sounds:

• Mountain lions make little noise, resembling whistling or bird chirping.
• Their growls sound like an overgrown house cat.
• Kittens have a raspy, loud purr.

For kill evidence:

Mountain lions are efficient predators, swiftly attacking their prey to deliver a lethal bite to the back of the neck, throat, or skull. 

They rely on their claws to secure their prey during the attack, leaving minimal slashes. 

Once the prey is dead, they drag it to cover and begin feeding, often starting with the soft internal organs. 

After consuming what they need, they cover the remaining carcass with debris and return for subsequent feedings until it’s consumed or until they make another kill.

Photograph these signs and, if possible, the animal itself. Include a known-size object, like a quarter or ruler, next to the tracks for scale. Placing a can or bucket over tracks can preserve them. 

DEC staff investigates reports with physical evidence, such as tracks, scat, or hair. Mistaken identities are common. 

So, compare sightings with known animals like bobcats or coyotes. Submit your findings and photos to DEC for a thorough examination.

More Information On Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions are the most wide-ranging cat species globally. They inhibit regions from Canada to Chile.

These solitary cats exhibit remarkable adaptability to diverse environments, enabling their survival despite significant habitat loss.

Once widespread throughout the United States, mountain lions now primarily inhabit 15 western states due to:

• Past bounty hunts
• Poaching  
• Trophy hunting
• Persecution
• Habitat loss

The genetically isolated Florida panther represents the only remaining East population facing unique conservation challenges.

Species of Mountain Lion

How Are Mountain Lions Adapted to Their Environment?

Mountain lions are obligate carnivores. This means that they exclusively consume meat. As a result, their body color, movement, and stature align to make them survive as predators in the natural world. Some of their adaptations include:

Retractable claws – Mountain lions have retractable claws, similar to domestic cats. This adaptation allows them to keep their claws sharp by retracting them when not in use.

Doing so reduces wear and tear, enabling them to maintain better grip and traction while hunting or climbing.

Orange fur – Mountain lions’ orange or tawny fur provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. 

It helps them blend into the surrounding rocky terrain, making it easier to stalk prey and remain undetected by potential predators.

They are nocturnal – Panthers are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. 

This behavior allows them to avoid the day’s heat and reduce competition with other diurnal predators. 

Being active at night also increases their chances of successfully hunting prey, as many of their preferred prey species are nocturnal.

Exceptional vision – Cougars possess exceptional vision, with oval/round pupils particularly adapted for low-light conditions. 

This adaptation aids them in hunting during the early morning or evening hours when visibility is reduced. Their keen eyesight also helps them navigate their environment and detect potential threats or prey.

Longer hind legs – Longer hind legs contribute to the mountain lion’s powerful jumping and leaping abilities. 

This adaptation is important for traversing steep and uneven terrains, hunting by surprise, and escaping danger. Combining strong hind legs and a flexible spine enhances their overall agility.

Large canines – Large canines are essential for grasping and delivering a fatal bite to their prey. 

These powerful teeth allow mountain lions to quickly subdue their prey by targeting vital areas such as the neck or throat. Their bite pressure is around 400 pounds per inch.

They are territorial – Mountain lions mark their territories with scent markings, deterring other individuals from intruding. 

This territorial behavior helps reduce competition for food and resources. And ensures that they have access to sufficient prey within their home range.

Sharp hearing – Sharp hearing is another vital adaptation that aids in detecting the movement of prey or potential threats. 

Their ability to rotate their large ears allows them to pinpoint the source of sounds, enhancing their situational awareness of their environment.

Fun Facts About Mountain Lions

Cougars are a bunch of interesting animals. We are almost certain you didn’t know the following facts about mountain lions.

1. Did you know mountain lions are also called pumas and cougars? They’ve got over 40 nicknames!
2. While most weigh around 200 pounds, one mountain lion tipped the scales at a whopping 276 pounds!
3. When you see their paw prints, you won’t see claw marks. Plus, they often make an “M” shape.
4. Unlike lions and tigers, mountain lions don’t roar. They communicate with chirps, growls, and even purrs.
5. Baby mountain lions are born with blue eyes and spots but grow out of them as they age.
6. These cats can live in almost any environment in North and South America, from forests to deserts.
7. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion. Encounters are super rare.
8. Sadly, the Florida panther, a type of mountain lion, is endangered due to habitat loss.
9. Mountain lions can zoom up to 50 mph, making them one of the fastest land animals.
10. These cats can leap up to 18 feet high and 45 feet horizontally. That’s like jumping over two cars!

Conclusion

Are there Mountain Lions in New York State? The presence of mountain lions in New York State is a topic of debate. 

While they were historically common, overhunting and habitat loss led to their extirpation in the late 19th century. 

Despite official claims that mountain lions are extinct in New York, sightings have been reported. However, experts attribute them to mistaken identity or transient individuals. 

The likelihood of mountain lions returning to their former range in the East is low due to mortality levels, public tolerance, and landscape development. 

Accurate reporting of cougars is essential for proper investigation. When reporting sightings to the Department of Conservation, individuals are advised to look for tracks, scat, and other signs.