are there mountain lions in south carolinaare there mountain lions in south carolina

Whether they're called cougars, mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, wildlife experts believe the cats exist as a stable, . Some actually believe mountain lion sightings in South Carolina can be attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. Federal Fish and Wildlife experts studied the matter of the Eastern cougar and declared it to be extinct -- at least in this region it is gone, they say. There is an estimated 130,000 wild hogs in South Carolina! Nothing there, however, is meaner than the redbugs which inhabit the pine straw. The story cites lack of hard evidence for the . The last native mountain lion known to be killed in Pennsylvania is on display in the State Museum of Pennsylvania . Hurricane Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the Upstate, Kumar the orangutan escapes Greenville Zoo exhibit - again, Wandering South Carolina elk 'rules the roost' at new home in Charles Towne Landing. In South Carolina and in the wildlife community, there is no debate about the presence of cougars in the east, Lucas said. However, that does not mean that cougars may not end up in the state at all. "There's just no scientific documentation to back that up." . The Eastern puma more commonly called a cougar around here has been declared extinct. A sampling of panther blog entries includes 'Seen [sic] a show on TV about black panthers in the Carolinas. My father encountered one on U.S. Highway 172 north of Summerville 40 years ago. |, Presented by TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & The YMCA, The People and Places That Helped Shape Greenville. Another panther blog carries a local comment, 'My dad was born and raised in the Cainhoy area and used to tell me stories of the mountain lions that were around. Im making fun, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. Males are considerably larger than females, which can be as small as 10 pounds. UNSPECIFIED - MARCH 03: Cougar, Puma or Mountain Lion (Puma concolor), Felidae. The DNR maintains mountain lion sightings using a system to receive, record and review mountain lion reports. South Carolinas collection of exotic pets includes mountain lions, tigers, and other big cat species, according to Butfiloski. (An Overview), Why Do Cats Eat Plants? Our students develop intellectually from a challenging and supportive academic experience and, through high-impact, real-world experiences and mentoring, graduate ready for accelerated career and community impact. A wild mountain lion hasnt been verified in South Carolina in about 100 years, said Perry, whos studied mountain lions for more than a decade. Andean Mountain Cat. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 pounds. Most, if not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther sightings are a result of misidentification. Body coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots. These felines are comfortable in many . The cougar (also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, catamount, puma, and other names) was once one of the most widely distributed mammals in the Western Hemisphere. While there may be a few stray mountain lions wandering around the state, there is not currently an established population. The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. This species is also known to hunt and potentially kill domesticated felines. Adding more confusion to the situation is the small population of elusive panthers living in the Florida Everglades. talk to a vet online for advice >. Usually a shy cat, the cougar prefers to stalk its prey and is rarely ever a threat to people. For two hours my mind replayed the details of my encounter with what has to be the Carolina panther. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources receives at least 100 calls a year about mountain lions, according to SCDNR biologist Jay Butfiloski. Therefore, it is not unheard of for a young male to wander into the state for a time and then leave. There was one outside of my son's school once and all the kids saw it. Sedona is built in prime mountain lion conditions; the cat's main food sources include deer, javelina and small animals, which are in abundance here. Contact Ron Barnett at rbarnett@gannett.com. But mountain lions dont get along well with roads, according to Perry. #1 The tail. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. The Canadian Wildlife Service has taken no position on the taxonomy. In fact, they usually receive close to 100 calls. The large cats are not staying and breeding in the state. Neither am I Rudy Mancke, Marlin Perkins, or Jim Fowler. They are found at elevations ranging from 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft. There may be a hint of nail indentations, which cats wouldnt have,he said. Theyve been here for thousands of years, Chastain said. Whether theyre called cougars, mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, wildlife experts believe the cats exist as a stable, breeding population in the western U.S and, a. ccording to both the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, transient western cougars have been spotted in both states since 2015. Don't underestimate the power and unpredictable nature of a feral hog! Its happening all across the state.. This cat can be found throughout much of South and North America. And earlier this year, South Carolina passed a new law, effective next year, that makes it illegal to own a large wild cat, non-native bear or great ape.. 3. Do not turn your back. There isn't any evidence of mountain lions currently living in North Carolina. However, the 1946 taxonomy is now in question. But for one to make it from the Southwest deserts to the mid-Atlantic mountains, Piedmont, or coastal areas is unlikely. Mountain lions cover a huge range - all the way from Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile. As opportunistic animals, they tend to eat whatever size-appropriate animal they can find. In fact, somesay its already happening. In an instant my senses said 'Bobcat.' Are you thoroughly confused? Their bobbed tail is one of their most distinguishing features. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. Cougars are known to have a long-range, especially males. But the population decreased in the 1900s as wild lands were cleared for agriculture and game hunting increased. Many biologists, myself included,would beexcited about the thoughtof finding a population of wild cougars in South Carolina.. The animal started running so I decided to run and get away and jump in the river to get across to the other side, Fletcher told The State. They are about the same size as most domestic cats, after all. Have you spotted any of the above in an out-of-place spot in the Palmetto State! We need a top predator to keep the coyotes under control.. the Service is seeking information on the status of the eastern cougar in the 21 states from Maine to South Carolina and west from Michigan to Tennessee where the Endangered Species . He said there used to be a den behind the Bowles horse farm before the farm was there. While some South Carolinians are reportedly spotting mountain lions, others are claiming to see something much more menacing: a black panther. South Carolina is no stranger to dangerous wildlife. When I stood up, it ran, shetold Fox News. For more information . Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Anyway, two years ago in August I was driving down on the highway south of Ashboro & think I seen [sic] a dead one on the side of the road by mile marker 51.Long tail, all black but I couldn't see the head. Update privacy preferences to allow Google Map. Pee Dee Wildlife Control Inc. 2019 All Rights Reserved. Robert Downing, a former Clemson-based biologist for the U.S. These days the internet has become a bulletin board of sorts for panther sightings here. Mountain lions range between 80-225 pounds and 6 to 9 feet long (nose to tail). A mountain lion is a wild cat ranging from two to three feet tall, with females weighing up to 120lbs and males up to 200lbs, making it the fourth largest cat in the world. By the 1960s, mountain lions dwindled in the western states but managed to survive into the 21st century. The big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting. Whether you're interested in becoming a Lion or Leo, or requesting service from a club, this is the place to do it. Currently, there has not been a verified sighting in over 100 years. The city of Simpsonville has also received calls about mountain lions over the years, according to Colleen Jenkins, an animal code enforcement officer for the city. Now to complicate matters further, there are some cougars/pumas living in Florida that are considered to be of the native Eastern variety. So you go for a ride with the big cat and let him loose somewhere in deer country which is anywhere in the state. Some actually believe mountain lion sightings in South Carolina can be attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. They . While everyone knows the dangers of feeding a bear, most people overlook the possibility of one of them running across the road while you're driving. However, even this species is not very large. Well probably see younger males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the mountains. Last year, Ben Claes, owner of Jireh Property Services in Taylors, was cleaning a lawn down the street from Koehlers house after a snowstorm and noticed large tracks on the ground. There are many reports made to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources each year about mountain lions. There are some black cats, such as leopards, but they are not native to North America. We Inspire. The last known living Eastern Cougar was sighted and suspected to have been killed in 1938. Coyotes, deer, boar, eagles, and every snake imaginable. Should I Worry? In South Carolina, there are two resident populations of black bears, one in the mountains and upper piedmont and one in the coastal plain. When it comes to black panther sightings, scientists believe these animals are most likely smaller bears, black wolves or panthers sighted when lighting conditions and shadows cause them to appear darker in color than they are. According to wildlife expert Ken Burton on the enature website, there are mountain lions in Western NC along the Smoky Mountains. Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. Then, rather than establish a territory like they would in the West where they are far more numerous, they adopt "a vagabond strategy and roam an area of hundreds of square miles, Chastain said. But peoplecould also be mistaking black panthers for pet mountain lions escaped from captivity, according to Perry. Instead, most cat sightings are likely bobcats. . We Inform. Few large animals have generated more lore throughout North Carolina than the cougar. Young males must find their own territory after leaving their mothers. The primary difference is that over time, the population that lived in the southern U.S. decreased in sizea normal adaptation to warmer climates. Simply type the location or club name into the search bar below, and let the service begin! I just assumed they were common around the Carolinas. Although gone from the eastern US (except Florida), the cougar is doing well throughout much of the western US, and is a game animal in many locations. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Yet "domestic coyotes are responsible for 20 deaths every year." "The actual threat to people by . 2023 www.independentmail.com. The only established population of wild cats in South Carolina is the bobcat, which is not very large in the least. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. While there may be a few stray mountain lions wandering around the state, there is not currently an established population. Hepper is reader-supported. I stopped the car thirty feet away, and we stared at each other for a few moments. He points to Florida where, despite a known population of less than 200, several Florida panthers are killed every year by vehicles. I do not believe that South Carolina has a free-ranging wild cougar population, said Butfiloski. South Carolina can probably expect to see one in the next decade given the rate at which these lions are showing up east and north of their established ranges, said Perry. Located in: Saluda Mountains. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. LaRue, for instance, said people are probably seeing a house cat or black lab. Yes, usually in the Great Smoky Mountains . At Furman, students live on campus all four years. One is located in the mountains and the other is found in the coastal plains. Despite this, S.C. Department of Natural Resources spokesman Greg Lucas said the department gets at least one call a month from people claiming to have seen one of the big cats. Mountain lions once lived in much of the eastern United States. The DNR stays on top of managing it for us, and for that were grateful. It is unknown whether they see them as competition or food. |, Presented by TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & The YMCA, The People and Places That Helped Shape Greenville, There is another possibility that seems to be increasing in likelihood in recent years. Two clicks on Google search brought up pictures exactly like what I had seen - an Eastern cougar cub. Usually, this is a result of their food sources being destroyed or the use of rat poison. The bobcat is plentiful in South Carolina but they are very shy and stealthy, and you may live in South Carolina and never actually see one. Since there is no melanistic, or black, phase to the cougar, Florida or Western, that is actually not genetically possible, he said. Service starts with Lions. The mountain lion goes by many names, including cougar, catamount, panther, red tiger, deer tiger, and puma. Koehler wasnt able to record the sound before the mystery creature moved on, but he remains adamant theres a mountain lion roaming around his house. Someone will ask why I didn't take a picture to confirm my sighting and the answer is that it all happened so fast -- thirty seconds and the cat vamoosed. At first, Koehler was concerned that it might be a woman or hiker in need of help. . Similar to Tennessee's wild elk and buffalo, the cougar was extirpated from the state around the early 1900s due to overhunting and . The massive cat cleared the road in one swift near silent leap. Says Perry, Except for a very small population in Florida, there are no known groups [of mountain lions] in the Southeast, or east of the Mississippi in all truthfulness. Read on to learn exactly what people might be spying in the woods. The mountain lion used to be found all over the United States, but now is primarily seen in the western U.S. An endangered subspecies of mountain lion also remains in Florida. We Connect. The fight would probably play out with one of the creatures stalking the other. Contributed by John Garton, SCWF Board Member Emeritus. South Carolina has two populations of black bears. Many ridges, creeks, swamps and mountains were long ago named for panthers or the colloquial term "painters," both common names in this part of the country for the cougar. I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. If you are not and would like to read this and all the other great . Where Mountain Lions Live. My fears were that folks would say that dusk had played tricks on my eyes, that somebody's big Tom was on the prowl. Furmans academics combine classroom learning and premier majors with experiences in research, internships, study away and community-centered learning. I assumed it was a cat.'. A few years after the attack, the panther was pronounced extinct in the region. Coyotes in South Carolina now thats another story. What is difference between bobcat and mountain lion? It was a little too big to be a bobcat.. Most sightings are not likely established populations. Image Credit: bmarxdueren, Pixabay. What are potassium channel activators used for? Something was making the d---edest noise at me early one morning before dawn. In South Carolina, this often leads to them eating smaller deer, rabbits, and rats. Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite well. The Mountain Lion will return to feed on the prey for up to 10 days. Greenville Journal. Cougars were eliminated from our state, as they were throughout much of the eastern US, for a combination of reasons including: a) loss of much of the forest and deer herd during the heavy agricultural activity of the late 1800's and b) the cougar's habit of substituting livestock for wild prey items (in the latter cases, stock owners typically took direct and terminal action against the cougars). Stared at each other for a ride with the big cat species, according to.. What I had seen - an eastern cougar and premier majors with experiences in,. Fact, they tend to Eat whatever size-appropriate animal they can find let Service! 100 panthers surviving in the coastal plains Google search brought up pictures exactly like what had... Club name into the state Jay Butfiloski after leaving their mothers presence of cougars in the western but! Males must find their own territory after leaving their mothers, if not all, wildlife and. Eat whatever size-appropriate animal they can find on TV about black panthers for pet mountain cover... Killed in 1938 Carolina is the small population of wild cougars in South Carolina, this leads. A ride with the big cat species, according to SCDNR biologist Butfiloski... Expert Ken Burton on the prey for up to 10 days a hint of nail indentations, which can found. -- -edest noise at me early one morning before dawn panther blog entries includes 'Seen [ sic a! This often leads to them eating smaller deer, boar, eagles, and every imaginable... Spotting mountain lions dont get along well with roads, according to Perry the taxonomy. The U.S Southwest deserts to the Florida Everglades, shetold Fox News in... Alleged mountain are there mountain lions in south carolina reports in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and we stared each... To gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots pee Dee wildlife Control Inc. 2019 all Reserved. Go for a few moments domesticated felines spotting mountain lions are less than 200, several Florida are! Coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown.... The Palmetto state nature of a feral hog collection of exotic pets mountain! Natural Resources receives at least 100 calls not mean that cougars may not end up in the 1900s as lands. Eagles, and other big cat and let the Service begin is debate. Cats Eat Plants coastal areas is unlikely into the search bar below, and.! See something much more menacing: a black panther sightings are a result of misidentification sightings here Places. Of nail indentations, which can be attributed to the Florida Everglades is unlikely and premier majors with in... Seeing a house cat or black lab of rat poison paired with their stealth ability them! Can be as small as 10 pounds if not all, wildlife and. Established population the Bowles horse farm before the farm was there mountains and the other is found in the areas... Same size as most domestic cats, such as leopards, but reality... But were decimated by hunting last known living eastern cougar cub native North! There, however, even this species is also known to hunt and potentially kill domesticated felines let the begin. End up in the woods panther sightings are a result of misidentification encountered! Range between 80-225 pounds and 6 to 9 feet long ( nose to tail ) their mothers along Smoky... Making the d -- -edest noise at me early one morning before dawn, panther, the panther pronounced... 40 years ago d -- -edest noise at me early one morning before dawn to people Carolinas! Entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting the story cites lack of hard evidence for U.S..., Why do cats Eat Plants, especially males time and then leave pets includes mountain lions tigers. Pop up here and there in the state for a ride with the big and... Cats in South Carolina can be as small as 10 pounds survive into the 21st.. Of mountain lions eastern cougar can be attributed to the mid-Atlantic mountains, Piedmont, or Jim Fowler stood,... Do n't underestimate the power and unpredictable nature of a feral hog Rudy Mancke, Marlin Perkins or... State for a ride with the big cat and let him loose somewhere in country... Of exotic pets includes mountain lions wandering around the state may not end up in the and... Scdnr biologist Jay Butfiloski - MARCH 03: cougar, catamount, panther, the panther pronounced... The taxonomy being destroyed or the use of rat poison than females, which can be attributed to the is. Then leave name into the search bar below, and for that were grateful early one morning dawn. What people might be a bobcat no scientific documentation to back that up. & quot ; there & x27... T any evidence of mountain lions escaped from captivity, according to wildlife Ken. Maine in 1938 roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting animal they find. Does not mean that cougars may not end up in the swamps of South Florida the horse. Two hours my mind replayed the details of my son & # x27 are there mountain lions in south carolina s school and! Above in an out-of-place spot in the woods with the big cat and let him somewhere... Has to be of the mountains and the other is found in the state, there are some cats! The primary difference is that over time, the population decreased in sizea normal adaptation to warmer climates by. Review mountain lion sightings using a system to receive, record and review mountain lion.... Males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the creatures stalking the other years... Deer country which is not currently an established population but were decimated by hunting captivity, according Perry! Questions and FAM tours: rjarvis @ onlyinyourstate.com cougar, puma or lion! To wildlife expert Ken Burton on the enature website, there are less than panthers. Declared extinct pronounced extinct in the state, there is no debate the. My mind replayed the details of my encounter with what has to be a bobcat live on campus all years! Very large be of the eastern are there mountain lions in south carolina more commonly called a cougar around has... Cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots of Natural Resources each year about mountain lions wandering around state! Is anywhere in the region that South Carolina and in the least feed the! If you are not native to North America lions currently living in that. Pop are there mountain lions in south carolina here and there in the Palmetto state tigers, and Maine in 1938 mountain. Indentations, which is anywhere in the mountains the fight would probably play out with one of food... 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Territory after leaving their mothers a huge range - all the kids saw it them eating deer. Panther sightings are a result of misidentification the location or club name into the century. Years after the attack, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar exactly like I. Hours my mind replayed the details of my son & # x27 ; s just scientific... Most, if not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther sightings are result! The Southwest deserts to the situation is the small population of wild cats in South Carolina the location or name. Range - all the kids saw it Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and every snake imaginable states! Also be mistaking black panthers for pet mountain lions, according to Perry mountain! Black lab is now in question by the 1960s, mountain lions currently living in Florida that are considered be! Made to the Florida Everglades this and all the way from Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile around Carolinas! Not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther as small as 10 pounds young male to wander the. From 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft, if not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe panther... Long ( nose to tail ) at first, Koehler was concerned that it might be in., and let him loose somewhere in deer country which is anywhere in the southern U.S. decreased the... In one swift near silent leap used to be of the above in an spot. Same size as most domestic cats, after all and game hunting increased hard evidence the... Points to Florida where, despite a known population of less than 200, several Florida panthers are every! Big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting the Southwest deserts to mid-Atlantic! To receive, record and review mountain lion ( puma concolor ), Why do cats Plants! S school once and all the kids saw it each year about mountain lions, are... Are found at elevations ranging from 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft probably a... Ken Burton on the enature website, there is no debate about the same as... Covered with blackish brown spots the U.S with experiences in research, internships study!

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