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. Eastern Cougar does inhabit South Carolina. Some sightings are likely animals that ended up in our state through the exotic animal trade. They are active hunters and may cover as much as 20 miles in a night. Many believe mountain lions still exist in Pennsylvania. Even thought they're on the endangered species list. 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. Theres just no scientific documentation to back that up.. But its still against the law to shoot one. Furman biology professor and cougar expert Travis Perry says it's possible for mountain lions to travel great distances, but it's not very likely they've traveled to our state. Listen 3:52. There are many reports made to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources each year about mountain lions. All Rights Reserved. Such conditions exist within Point Reyes National Seashore. Because of their immense range, cougars can be seen in a number of habitats. Nikolay Kapustin, deputy zoo administrator and veterinarian at the Greenville Zoo, said the prints, which measure 2.5 inches long, are likely coyote tracks. 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 there is some doubt the cougar still exists south of the Canadian Maritime provinces, significant sightings occur in Tennessee and North and South Carolina. My father encountered one on U.S. Highway 172 north of Summerville 40 years ago. Find a Local Lions Club. And last year, Ben Tanner, a Ladys Island resident, captured video footage of what appears to be a large cat stalking a deer. Bo Petersen of the Post and Courier reported March 7, 2011, that 'Despite biologists' saying the eastern cougar is no more, big cat sightings persist.' Tina Underwood, Contributing Writer, Last updated Lets muddy the water a little more. I was driving very slow one morning in 2012 on a dirt road when I came upon one weighing about 125-150. . Cougars are rather long and slender in appearance. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. Mountain lions range between 80-225 pounds and 6 to 9 feet long (nose to tail). You have permission to edit this article. Black Bears. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. Some even claim to have spotted black panthers in the Lowcountry swamps. However, without females in the area, males are unlikely to stay for long. Exceptionally stealth in staying hidden, bobcats are found in South Carolina, especially in the coastal plain. 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. Those thoughts contented me for a few miles until some reflection revealed what should have been obvious when I first set eyes on the beast -- a Bobcat can't have a long, thick tail. There are cougars out there, but they are all without exception the progeny of released Western cougars, he said. There haven't been any cougars in Tennessee since the early 1900s. From Mauldin to McClellanville, folks are coming forward to report their own sightings of the phantom panther. As a territorial species, these cats do not live close to each other. "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission told the Observer. One popular conspiracy theory claims SCDNR has released a breeding population of western mountain lions to prevent the states surging white-tailed deer population from causing too much agricultural damage. We have had a couple of cougars escape from captivity over the past 30 years or so, but they dont elude leaving evidence behind.. The largest cat native to the eastern US, adults can exceed 8 ft in total length (including their tail) and 200 lbs. This feline is a close relative to the Lynx, which roams further up north. Now to complicate matters further, there are some cougars/pumas living in Florida that are considered to be of the native Eastern variety. 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. 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 mountain lion ( Puma concolor) is sometimes called cougar, puma, catamount, and panther. In 2007, Katie Araujo, a Paris Mountain resident, said she came face to face with a large black cat while sitting on her front porch. Young cougars are marked with dark spots. Sorry, Carolina Panthers football fans! Mountain lions do not currently have an established population in South Carolina. At full size, males are an unmissable 6-to-8-feet long and can weigh 150 pounds, say state officials. Nationwide, mountain lions are responsible for 20 deaths since 1900, Outdoorsman Oliver announced. While these cats are shy, they will live near humans to grant them access to livestock. I'll tell you, these things are so fast I don't see any domestication at all.' . Diana Marchibroda and her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion stepped out of the woods last May. If you look closely enough, or have enough bright light, you can see spots amongst the dark fur. There are no known mountain lions in North Carolina. I assumed it was a cat.'. They do have a tail, but it is only about 6 to 8 inches long. It was big and muscular. Many biologists, myself included,would beexcited about the thoughtof finding a population of wild cougars in South Carolina.. Yes, usually in the Great Smoky Mountains . 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. Simply type the location or club name into the search bar below, and let the service begin! Bobcats are known for taking down predators larger than themselves, but the mountain lion is just too much larger and stronger. North Carolina. Whether you're interested in becoming a Lion or Leo, or requesting service from a club, this is the place to do it. There's no question there are some. Have you spotted any of the above in an out-of-place spot in the Palmetto State! So rather than a unique species, the Eastern Cougar was a distinct variation within the cougar population that roamed throughout North America. Male mountain lions, also known as toms, occasionally travel long distances and sometimes appear from South Carolina to New England, according to Perry. We Connect. The eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct in 2011. Yet "domestic coyotes are responsible for 20 deaths every year." "The actual threat to people by . This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. The only established large cat is the bobcat in South Carolina. Jeff Mulhollem. by: Dennis Matherly. The large cats are not staying and breeding in the state. However, even this species is not very large. 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. Panthers are simply another term for mountain lions or cougars, which are actually known by many different names. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich. But the Eastern mountain lion, the . Search for cougars continues in Pennsylvania. If the sighting could have possibly been something else, then the state cannot confirm it as a mountain lion. Using DNA and physical evidence, state environmental officials said they determined that the animal likely trekked more than 1,500 miles from South Dakota, a journey that was captured by trail camera (above). I'm not Bill Bryson, and this column isn't entitled 'A Walk In the Woods.' Subscribe today! The Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC main office is located at Rocket Homes Real Estate, 701 Griswold St, Suite 21, Detroit, MI 48226. There are approximately 20 recognized geographic races of the cougar throughout its range. South Carolina has two populations of black bears. They are shy and do not like people, though they will live near populated areas. 'The DNR swears up and down there are no mountain lions left in SC. The fight would probably play out with one of the creatures stalking the other. A 140-pound male mountain lion was hit by a car and killed in 2011 in Milford, Connecticut. 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. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 pounds. See answer (1) Copy. DO NOT PLAY DEAD. Instead, Lucas said the majority of sightings are likely misidentification of other animals like bears, coyotes or large dogs. and that is exactly what makes these areas dangerous. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. In 1973, the agency added the eastern cougar to the List of Endangered . The West Virginia Wildlife Center . 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. Their beige or tawny fur helps camouflage them in countless environments. Cougars are stealthy predators that can run up to 35 miles per hour. Adults are largely nocturnal, solitary and territorial. 5 Reasons for This Behavior. Then about 8 years ago I was driving down Clements Ferry and one ran across the road in front of me just past the old Mikasa plant heading towards 526. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. While there may be a few stray mountain lions wandering around the state, there is not currently an established population. These beautiful areas were carved with flowing water. Few large animals have generated more lore throughout North Carolina than the cougar. I live in the south eastern corner of Wilkes county on 70 acres close to Yadkin county and Iredell county. The massive cat cleared the road in one swift near silent leap. Theyve been here for thousands of years, Chastain said. 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. But some residents, including Koehler, are already taking precautions. But adult males average 140 pounds and 7 feet long from snout to tail. They arent much bigger than a domestic house cat in many cases. Being nocturnal doesnt help matters, especially since their coat makes them basically impossible to see at night. 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. But they arent true Eastern cougars. Big Cat arched his back the way cats do when alarmed, and he bounded into the woods. However, its a moot point since there are no Eastern cougars still around to shoot., More:Kumar the orangutan escapes Greenville Zoo exhibit - again. 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. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. Bobcats are the most similar relatives of mountain lions and they share many physical and behavioral traits. The Mountain Lion will return to feed on the prey for up to 10 days. But the population decreased in the 1900s as wild lands were cleared for agriculture and game hunting increased. Florida spent more than $1 million to protect these cougars which also are called panthers, he said. He lives in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant. Thus, these cats inhabit rugged terrains with steep slopes and little vegetation. Habitat. Back away slowly, preferably to a place of shelter like a building or vehicle. 3300 Poinsett Highway Are there Mountain Lions in South Carolina? Greenville Journal. While they are relatively common in the state, it is actually quite difficult to spot them. 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. There has never been a record or credible account of a black cougar in Eastern North America, Chastain said. At first, Koehler was concerned that it might be a woman or hiker in need of help. But Im not sure well ever see an established breeding population.. Service starts with Lions. 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. In an instant my senses said 'Bobcat.' They . Many residents insist theyre either seeing or hearing mountain lions despite the lack of evidence. Thats when he started comparing animal calls online. I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. // February 12, 2021. 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. 26 Sep 16. The subspecies as described in 1946 was declared extinct by the U.S. However, they're becoming more and more of an issue in the Piedmont. A touring troupe of actors caravanned southward in the 18th century toward Savannah and were attacked by a pack of wolves near Jacksonboro. 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. Might have been Monster Quest. Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. What You Need to Know! When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Can Cats Eat Rosemary? 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. 2. For more information . Mountain lions were once native to South Carolina. Coyotes in South Carolina now thats another story. The Mauldin Police Department tried to capture the cat using a metal cage baited with a slab of beef donated by a local grocery store but quit after trying for several days. Jaguars and leopards, on the other hand, have a gene that occurs in six percent of the population that causes black cats. The back story on why the myth or truth of the existence of Eastern cougars/pumas is consequential comes from Tennessee. SCDNR has yet to receive a report of drivers hitting a mountain lion, said Butfiloski. In olden days it was considered folly for a traveller to venture far without a firearm. According to Perry, western mountain lions have established breeding populations in South Dakota, Nebraska, and North Dakota in the last 25 years. Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite well. More:Wandering South Carolina elk 'rules the roost' at new home in Charles Towne Landing. Most tracks and pictures could possibly have been a different animal, which means that they cannot officially count as a cougar sighting. 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. Thank you! 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. 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. stands 3,560 feet tall. Due to overhunting in the United States, they have been completely extirpated from the east , with the exception of the endangered Florida panther, a subspecies occurring in southern Florida. But if so, are there mountain lions in North Carolina? Are there black panthers in eastern North Carolina? Furmans academics combine classroom learning and premier majors with experiences in research, internships, study away and community-centered learning. 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. They are a native species in South Carolina. The few precious seconds that we locked eyes thirty feet from each other will remain one of my cherished memories. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Mountain lions typically keep their distance from humans, he said. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. Due to the terrain and plentiful food sources, mountain lion sightings will occur and certain precautions should be taken by residents. They are about the same size as most domestic cats, after all. What's it like standing all day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people? Their fur is short and rather uniform reddish to light brown in color. 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. Bobcats, Lynx rufus, one of six cat species native to the United States, can be found in each of the lower 48 states, including all of South Carolina. What IS Out There? Most sightings are not likely established populations. Sometimes, these cats get pushed very far away from where they were born.. 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. But who knows in a generation or so what might happen, he said. This species is also known to hunt and potentially kill domesticated felines. The mountain lion is also known as cougar, panther, or puma. It was at least 5 foot long plus the length of its thick long tail which was at least 3 feet. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Cougars do not do well with roads and are often the victim of collisions with cars. We Inspire. You can tell the similarities by looking at them, specifically thanks to their black-tipped ears. As opportunistic animals, they tend to eat whatever size-appropriate animal they can find. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. Since then, there have been more sightings, but none of them have been confirmed. Old-timers there used to point out the bear pits where their ancestors trapped black bears for their pelts. 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! Males are considerably larger than females, which can be as small as 10 pounds. Most, if not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther sightings are a result of misidentification. Over the span of my career in the Charleston County School Districts Human Resources Division, I have been a part of numerous di Read moreOpEd: Increased educator compensation key to teacher retention, What do you think of the current political issue of electing school principals? Web design & hosting powered by eNation Worldwide. Here in southern Utah, lions have been known to occupy home ranges as large as 513 square miles. Furman biology professor and cougar expert Travis Perry says it's possible for mountain lions to travel great distances, but it's not very likely they've traveled to our state. Genetic data gathered from a number of samples shows a distinct lack of the genes required for that coloration. The mountain lion is the largest cat in the borders of the United States and it roams mostly across the western states. Usually, this is a result of their food sources being destroyed or the use of rat poison. We can thank the Spanish for the mean wild pigs found here. Occasionally, individual animals may be spotted, but these sightings are not confirmed. A generation or so what might happen, he said 6-to-8-feet long and can weigh pounds. And her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion stepped out of the Greenville pens. 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