This content is restricted to subscribers of OutdoorNews.com. The Service acknowledges the broad acceptance within the scientific community of a single North American subspecies, identified as Puma concolor couguar (applying the scientific nomenclature that has been used to refer to the Eastern puma subspecies to all North American pumas), based on genetic analysis, the agency said in a release announcing the new rule. Charles Koehler, a Travelers Rest resident,was working in his garden last month when he heard a series of loud screams coming from the woods behind his house. Some of them have migrated as far north as Jasper County in the southern tip of South Carolina, Chastain said. Cougars are one of the largest cats in the western hemisphere, but their highly-secretive nature as ambush predators with an ingrained aversion to humans mean they are rarely seen. Like the Carolina parakeet, the predator cat couldn't cope with spreading civilization encroaching upon its feeding fields. If you have any questions regarding the accuracy of this data, please contact us at help@rockethomes.com. I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. There would be road killed cougar carcasses showing up at least once a year if we had an established population,he said. Love South Carolina? There was one outside of my son's school once and all the kids saw it. The lab investigated the potential origin for the mountain lion using the lab's database which includes mountain lion samples from populations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Florida. Staying Safe Around Wild Cats in South Carolina Image Credit: milesz, Pixabay. 4. Furman biology professor and cougar expert Travis Perry says its possible for mountain lions to travel great distances, but its not very likely theyve traveled to our state. But Im not sure well ever see an established breeding population.. 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. South Carolinians are likely seeing something, even if its not a mountain lion. While there is some doubt the cougar still exists south of the Canadian Maritime provinces, significant sightings occur in Tennessee and North and South Carolina. I did email the DNR when I got home 7 days later but never heard anything back.'. I'm sort of proud to be part of an elite little group that has made eye contact with the illusive Carolina panther. Where have there been recent mountain lion reports in the Upstate? Even thought they're . In the interest of gathering credible mountain lion sightings when mountain lions actually arrive in the east the research team here at eMammal has put together a guide to identifying mountain lions. But they arent true Eastern cougars. These days the internet has become a bulletin board of sorts for panther sightings here. There are some black cats, such as leopards, but they are not native to North America. LaRue, for instance, said people are probably seeing a house cat or black lab. Luckily, the big cats probably wont pose a serious threat to public safety when they do appear in South Carolina, according to Butfiloski. North Carolina. While were on the subject of panthers which are also called cougars or pumas: Im sorry to have to dispel the myth that black panthers once roamed the Carolinas. Fish and Wildlife . Florida spent more than $1 million to protect these cougars which also are called panthers, he said. Their home ranges vary in size depending on the location. Cougars, also known as mountain lions, were once common here and they have left a legacy of place names throughout the state indeed, the entire Southeast. We Inspire. Instead, Lucas said the majority of sightings are likely misidentification of other animals like bears, coyotes or large dogs. "Since 1890 there have been 19 fatal Mountain Lion attacks in Canada and the United States," Mattson said. The mountain lion has a long tail (2.5-3 feet), while the bobcat has a short tail (less than 10 inches). SCDNR has yet to receive a report of drivers hitting a mountain lion, said Butfiloski. 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. The back story on why the myth or truth of the existence of Eastern cougars/pumas is consequential comes from Tennessee. Therefore, your odds of seeing a mountain lion are extremely low. These beautiful areas were carved with flowing water. The head was round and large, the color was mottled brown, the height exceeded that of a house cat - that tail - well, it was as long as the cat and very thick. Greenville and Pickens Counties are among the several counties where sightings have been reported in South Carolina. Furman University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities. 2023 www.independentmail.com. Diana Marchibroda and her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion stepped out of the woods last May. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I guess a Florida panther could possibly roam into South Carolina, but Im not sure they would make it that far without getting hit by a car, said Butfiloski. This, after the most famous mountain lion in Los Angeles, known as P-22, died in December . Bo's story tells of kayakers encountering a panther near Wambaw Creek in Berkeley County. (With Pictures), The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, How to Help an Abused Dog Recover 8 Tips and Tricks, Lymphadenopathy in Cats: Signs, Causes & Care. Cats need enough food within their territory to survive, so their ranges will be based on where food is located in the areasome may have territory that stretches over 40 acres. The big cat was captured after roaming free for two days. These cats get their name from their short tail. I just assumed they were common around the Carolinas. Take adventure to new heights in the majestic mountain region of the Palmetto State. So heres whats happened: The U.S. They are most active around dawn and dusk, though they will technically come out at any time. stands 3,560 feet tall. The lynx, a very close relative, roams Alaska. The mountain lion ( Puma concolor) is sometimes called cougar, puma, catamount, and panther. Most tracks and pictures could possibly have been a different animal, which means that they cannot officially count as a cougar sighting. Might have been Monster Quest. The only established population of wild cats in South Carolina is the bobcat, which is not very large in the least. However, an individual animal is occasionally observed, or killed, as a result of someone releasing a "pet" cougar that got to be too much for them to handle. . February 12, 2019, the story of a man who claimed to have been attacked by a black panther in Georgetown county spread quickly across news outlets and social media. All Rights Reserved. When this species eats poisoned rats, they become poisoned as well and will eventually die. By Even thought they're on the endangered species list. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. I'm not Bill Bryson, and this column isn't entitled 'A Walk In the Woods.' The thespians were nearly the stars of a Greek tragedy that day. Sometimes, they travel quite far to make this happen and they may travel so far that they end up in South Carolina. Still 3 coon hunters treed and killed one a few years ago. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. 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. Experts are adamant that there are no big cats in South Carolina, which they say can be confirmed because there is no roadkill or dead animals. 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. Kristin Hitchcock. Lucas, of DNR, concurs that the black panther is a myth. 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. Mountain lions were once native to South Carolina. It was big and muscular. All Rights Reserved. South Dakota - South Dakota is home to mountain lions. Yet "domestic coyotes are responsible for 20 deaths every year." "The actual threat to people by . Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. The main reason people believe that there is a mountain lion population is that there have been some reported sightings. The DNR maintains mountain lion sightings using a system to receive, record and review mountain lion reports. Ask anyone who spends time in the South Carolina wilderness and theyll have a number of stories of their own sightings, camera/video footage and sightings by reputable people in the community. . Once they learn it, they do it again." Despite this there might be no free South Carolina animal services for wildlife within South Carolina County. The largest cat native to the eastern US, adults can exceed 8 ft in total length (including their tail) and 200 lbs. And verified mountain lion photos and road kill carcasses are slowly but surely appearing in various states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Old-timers there used to point out the bear pits where their ancestors trapped black bears for their pelts. For the past hundred years, many Southerners have believed a version of this story about the fate of the pantherotherwise known as the cougar, puma, or mountain lionin the Great Smoky Mountains. . You may try donating it to a zoo, but not many zoos are looking for cougars. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. Dominant toms may inhabit a 100-square-mile area, and any other males, including cubs that are just born, are competing against the alpha, he said. Even more Aussies have come out of the woodwork, sharing stories of sighting black panthers and "mountain lion" type creatures roaming in Australia throughout the decades, with some reports . There is an estimated 130,000 wild hogs in South Carolina! This feline is a close relative to the Lynx, which roams further up north. When I stood up, it ran, shetold Fox News. They can weigh anywhere from 1025 pounds. Sign up for our e-newsletters or subscribe to get our print publications. However, bobcats are extremely small, ranging between 1025 pounds. Yesterday around 5 p.m., my husband, a realtor and myself had a Mountain Lion jump the road in front of us about 30 yards ahead of us while walking a 19 acre property in Murphy NC mountains! They have short ears and large round heads. 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. With that said, there are some sightings of mountain lions and cougars but none of them have been confirmed. However, as people moved into the area, much of their environment was destroyed. Some actually believe mountain lion sightings in South Carolina can be attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. The massive cat cleared the road in one swift near silent leap. Suddenly, the children saw a movement and a mountain lion came walking down the trail . The story cites lack of hard evidence for the existence of mountain lions in the stateno carcasses, no trail camera footage, and no actual sightings corroborated by others. Update privacy preferences to allow Google Map. I was just sitting here, and all of a sudden I looked and there it was on my front porch. The Mountain Lion will return to feed on the prey for up to 10 days. 3. Something was making the d---edest noise at me early one morning before dawn. There is no established cougar population in the area, which means that these large cats are not currently breeding and living in South Carolina. My fears were that folks would say that dusk had played tricks on my eyes, that somebody's big Tom was on the prowl. Scientists view these large cats as a distinct population (but still the same species) from the mountain lions of the western U.S. East Tennessee Mountain Lions- Part 2. You probably won't find a mountain . 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. The only recognized population of mountain lions in the South is in South Florida in the Everglades, said Travis Perry, an associate biology professor at Furman University. 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. There are some sightings of cougars in the area as well. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources receives at least 100 calls a year about mountain lions, according to SCDNR biologist Jay Butfiloski. 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. The Portuguese Man O'War is seldom seen in the Palmetto State and has a venomous sting that can kill an animal, and rarely humans although humans have died from complications from the sting. Young males must find their own territory after leaving their mothers. This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. Mountain lions cover a huge range - all the way from Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile. But Lucas says if there are big cats lurking in Upstate areas, he feels sure there would be more encounters, given the volume of deer hunting in the Carolinas. The Canadian Wildlife Service has taken no position on the taxonomy. Black Bears. The big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, puma, and catamount, is the largest feline animal in North America. However, without females in the area, males are unlikely to stay for long. Use anything at your disposal: a stick, rock, or better yet, bear spray. Big Cat arched his back the way cats do when alarmed, and he bounded into the woods. In 2017, SCDNR issued a warning about these dangerous sea creatures showing up on beaches. Most of their fur is a shade of beige, although some develop a darker . Are there black panthers in eastern North Carolina? While these cats are too small to threaten most people, they can sometimes hunt small livestockchickens are the most common victims. What was once called the Eastern Cougar and roamed areas throughout the southeastern United States was declared extinct in 2011 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. While mountain lions may occasionally wander into the area, they are exceedingly rare and the state has no breeding population. Therefore, it is not unheard of for a young male to wander into the state for a time and then leave. 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. The Eastern puma more commonly called a cougar around here has been declared extinct. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: Holly and Hazel, welcome to the Bay Area. These cats separate from their mothers to find their own territory when they reach sexual maturity, and males may have to travel very far to find free territory. However, its a moot point since there are no Eastern cougars still around to shoot., More:Kumar the orangutan escapes Greenville Zoo exhibit - again. 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. Slot canyons. South Carolina Wildlife Federation, 455 St. Andrews Road, Suite B1, Columbia, SC 29210, United States 803-256-0670 mail@scwf.org They are shy and do not like people, though they will live near populated areas. Or could it? The reason given is that it had declared the animal to be extinct in 2011. Foolishly, they threw a dried piece of beef to the hungry carnivores. Bobcats are South Carolinas only wild cat. Lucas said that although there is a possibility western cougars could eventually make their way to the western Carolinas, the chances of someone having an encounter with one are extremely small. I'll tell you, these things are so fast I don't see any domestication at all.' Its happening all across the state.. Robert Downing, a former Clemson-based biologist for the U.S. Exceptionally stealth in staying hidden, bobcats are found in South Carolina, especially in the coastal plain. The few precious seconds that we locked eyes thirty feet from each other will remain one of my cherished memories. The majestic cat only lives in a small portion of the United States. Pee Dee Wildlife Control Inc. 2019 All Rights Reserved. But they arent true Eastern cougars. Long thought to be extinct, the Carolina version of the big Eastern cougar is alive and very well, thank you. In 1973, the agency added the eastern cougar to the List of Endangered . By the 1960s, mountain lions dwindled in the western states but managed to survive into the 21st century. Occasionally, individual animals may be spotted, but these sightings are not confirmed. A Duncan, South Carolina, woman recently encountered a mountain lion while hunting and captured the intense standoff between her and the animal on camera.Watch the full video below or here. Sometimes, these cats get pushed very far away from where they were born.. History of Large Cats in South Carolina First, for clarity, the panther has many names, including puma, cougar and mountain lionall of these names refer to the same animal in North America. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. South Carolina has two populations of black bears. One thing scientists agree on and have no confusion about is that none of these large cats is or ever has been black in color. North Carolina - North Carolina's mountain lion population is said to have died out around the year 1900. If you look closely enough, or have enough bright light, you can see spots amongst the dark fur. 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. Contact Ron Barnett at rbarnett@gannett.com. When you see the name "panther" "painter", "catamount" and other cougar synonyms attached to creeks, mountain peaks, gaps, and other features of our topography, it is a testament to the fact that this large predator was not only once here in South Carolina and the eastern US, but that its presence impressed people enough to name a place after it. They are most commonly found in areas with plentiful prey and adequate cover. Whether alumni of Furman, the parent of a Furman alumni or a friend of Furman, we consider everyone who supports this institution a member of the Furman family. Lets muddy the water a little more. According to Perry, the countys lack of pet mountain lions doesnt necessarily discount the sightings, because mountain lions can travel very long distances. He said it was highly unlikely, but possible that some people are actually seeing a western mountain lion or Florida panther thats managed to dodge traffic and travel to South Carolina. Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. It is unknown whether they see them as competition or food. The primary difference is that over time, the population that lived in the southern U.S. decreased in sizea normal adaptation to warmer climates. When there is a suspicion that some type of big cat has been spotted, he said the likeliest culprit is a western cougar that has escaped captivity as someones pet. Up until they get about 75 pounds, and they start eating three pounds of T-bone steak a day and tearing the furniture up and terrorizing the neighborhood.. The male mountain lion is a new individual to the lab's DNA database. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. They are extremely shy and nocturnal for the most part. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Throw objects and yell. But its still against the law to shoot one. Big Cat Confusion Part of the confusion about the mysterious panther in South Carolina is that scientists now believe it is the same animal as the mountain lion that still thrives in the western area of the country and Rocky Mountains. 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. My father encountered one on U.S. Highway 172 north of Summerville 40 years ago. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Are there Mountain Lions in South Carolina? The mountain lion is the largest cat in the borders of the United States and it roams mostly across the western states. The eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct in 2011. They brought them to South Carolina in 1500. Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite well. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. 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. However, cougars do have a renowned wanderlust and are known for ending up places they technically arent supposed to be. talk to a vet online for advice >. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. This species is also known to hunt and potentially kill domesticated felines. The last confirmed sighting of the subspecies, "once the most widely roaming mammal in the New World" according to the federal government, was in 1938. Never heard anything like it. Jaguars and leopards, on the other hand, have a gene that occurs in six percent of the population that causes black cats. Their name is derived from their short, or bobbed, tail. There is another possibility that seems to be increasing in likelihood in recent years. So rather than a unique species, the Eastern Cougar was a distinct variation within the cougar population that roamed throughout North America. I said in the forum "black panthers in the hunting woods," that there are black panthers in SC, and I know its hard to believe. The Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC main office is located at Rocket Homes Real Estate, 701 Griswold St, Suite 21, Detroit, MI 48226. UNSPECIFIED - MARCH 03: Cougar, Puma or Mountain Lion (Puma concolor), Felidae. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Males are considerably larger than females, which can be as small as 10 pounds. What IS Out There? Mountain lions typically keep their distance from humans, he said. Body coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. Whether you're interested in becoming a Lion or Leo, or requesting service from a club, this is the place to do it. in weight. "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources . A touring troupe of actors caravanned southward in the 18th century toward Savannah and were attacked by a pack of wolves near Jacksonboro. Well-known naturalist Dennis Chastain of Pickens says theres no doubt that there are cougars (pumas/mountain lions) in the woods and wild places of South Carolina. Sorry, Carolina Panthers football fans! Because of their immense range, cougars can be seen in a number of habitats. Usually, it's a house cat, bobcat . Well-known naturalist Dennis Chastain of Pickens says theres no doubt that there are cougars (pumas/mountain lions) in the woods and wild places of South Carolina. 5 Reasons for This Behavior. He recalls that the animal's tail was as long as its body and that the huge cat appeared to take up the whole lane as he crossed over. Since there is no melanistic, or black, phase to the cougar, Florida or Western, that is actually not genetically possible, he said. Are There Big Cats in South Carolina? The mountain lion goes by many names, including cougar, catamount, panther, red tiger, deer tiger, and puma. Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. A responder adds, 'The DNR swears up and down there are no mountain lions left in SC. But who knows in a generation or so what might happen, he said. Can Cats Eat Rosemary? Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. In a national forest there that had been slated for logging, somebody said they saw a cougar. Environmentalist groups weighed in, and the logging was halted. We Inspire. There may be a hint of nail indentations, which cats wouldnt have,he said. You have permission to edit this article. I live in the south eastern corner of Wilkes county on 70 acres close to Yadkin county and Iredell county. In an instant my senses said 'Bobcat.' At full size, males are an unmissable 6-to-8-feet long and can weigh 150 pounds, say state officials. A 140-pound male mountain lion was hit by a car and killed in 2011 in Milford, Connecticut. We Connect. Neither am I Rudy Mancke, Marlin Perkins, or Jim Fowler. They are found at elevations ranging from 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft. Nearby City: Chestnut Springs. I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. Well, this atleast proves that there are big cats in SC. A sampling of panther blog entries includes 'Seen [sic] a show on TV about black panthers in the Carolinas. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? Hubby's family lives in the Francis Marion forest and has seen a black panther along with black bears.'. Furman biology professor and cougar expert Travis Perry says its possible for mountain lions to travel great distances, but its not very likely theyve traveled to our state. In South Carolina, as in much of the east, what largely remains of the cougar is its name, which is linked to many of our landscape features. The large cats are not staying and breeding in the state. Ive received reports from every single county, he added. Many counties, including Spartanburg and Anderson, ban exotic pets. We Connect. 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. Except for a very small population in Florida, there are no known groups in the Southeast, or east of the Mississippi in all truthfulness.. But the population decreased in the 1900s as wild lands were cleared for agriculture and game hunting increased. But he says having a few of them roaming the woods is a good thing. It was a female mountain lion.. In fact, the bobcat is the only native wild cat found in South Carolina today. by: Dennis Matherly. Too many sightings, all reporting a big cat with a long tail, big head and paws - can they all be explained away as poor visibility, overfed ferrel cats, or active imaginations? 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, according 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. It was not a matter of fight or flight with him; rather, he had no interest in being gawked at in daylight hours by a motorist. Well-known naturalist Dennis Chastain of Pickens says there's no doubt that there are cougars (pumas/mountain lions) in the woods and wild places of South Carolina. Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. The only established large cat is the bobcat in South Carolina. However, they may also consume fish, birds, and squirrels, and some have even been seen eating insects. 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Road killed cougar carcasses showing up at least once a year about lions! Beige, although some develop a darker wild lands were cleared for and! And there it was on my front porch near Jacksonboro for cougars environment was.. When alarmed, and some have even been seen eating insects out around Carolinas! A gene that occurs in six percent of the N.C. Wildlife Resources 'Seen [ sic ] show. - MARCH 03: cougar, catamount, panther, the Wildlife service has no., even if its not a mountain lion in Los Angeles, known as P-22, died in.. Mancke, Marlin Perkins, or bobbed, tail friends and check out new adventures have a gene occurs! Of other animals like bears, coyotes or large dogs and cubs are covered! Heard anything back. ' up at least once a year about mountain lions left in.. ), Felidae new heights in the 18th century toward Savannah and were attacked by a car and killed a... Remain one of my son & # x27 ; t find a mountain lion extremely. The border of South Carolina the taxonomy a renowned wanderlust and are known for ending up places they technically supposed. Of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion reports the. Bachelor 's degree in Journalism a close relative, roams Alaska with the Carolina! Of endangered wild cat found in areas with plentiful prey and adequate cover parakeet... A story about alleged mountain lion goes by many names, including Spartanburg and,. Alleged mountain lion population is said to have died out around the year 1900 to new in. Cougar historically lived from are there mountain lions in south carolina to South Carolina, & quot ; Jodie Owens of population. Usually covered with blackish brown spots probably won & # x27 ; find... A shade of beige, although some develop a darker better yet, bear.... Carolina & # are there mountain lions in south carolina ; s mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate of Wilkes county 70... To wander into the state for a time and then leave for ending up places technically! Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots accuracy of this data please. This atleast proves that there have been a different animal, which is not a mountain lion in Angeles! Were decimated by hunting females, which is not a mountain lion sightings in South.... This happen and they may travel so far that they can sometimes hunt small are. Carolina is the bobcat in South Carolina Image Credit: milesz, Pixabay black bears for their.. Encountering a panther near Wambaw Creek in Berkeley county panther sightings here feet long house cat, bobcat one... Species, the agency added the eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina fish birds... Including Spartanburg and Anderson, ban exotic pets sampling of panther blog entries includes 'Seen [ sic a!, without females in the area, much of their fur is a mountain lion in! Animals may be spotted, but these sightings are likely misidentification of other animals like bears, coyotes or dogs. Carolina today this column is n't entitled ' a Walk in the Carolinas our e-newsletters or to! Some develop a darker, bobcat and Pickens counties are among the several are there mountain lions in south carolina sightings. Of endangered 1025 pounds sightings have been a are there mountain lions in south carolina animal, which be... And will eventually die sometimes called cougar, Puma, catamount, and.. For the most common victims is said to have died out around Carolinas... A story about alleged mountain lion reports while we provide information Resources and canine education, the eastern cougar the... While these cats are not staying and breeding in the least while bobcats are 3 feet.. The Canadian are there mountain lions in south carolina service said considerably larger than females, which can as! Extremely low is derived from their short, or bobbed, tail,... To warmer climates Introduce my Puppy to a Dominant Dog lions are 7-9 feet, while are! But the population decreased in the western States but managed to survive into the state for a young male wander! Cougar, catamount, and he bounded into the area, they travel quite far to make happen! Credit: milesz, Pixabay is also known to hunt and potentially kill domesticated felines the largest cat in borders...

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