# Is there any mountain lions in Indiana? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-there-any-mountain-lions-in-indiana/ - Published: 2023-10-30 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Is There Any Mountain Lions in Indiana? The Complete Guide Have you heard intriguing rumors of mountain lion sightings in the Hoosier State? As an Indiana resident myself, I’ve been fascinated by periodic reports of these elusive beasts passing through our state in recent years. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explore the history of mountain lions in Indiana, examine recent sightings, bust myths about alleged “black panthers,” share expert perspectives, and provide tips on what to do if you have your own close encounter! After reading, you’ll understand why wildlife officials believe it’s unlikely breeding populations have returned (though we may get the occasional visitor). Let’s start from the beginning… ## A Brief History of Mountain Lions in Indiana Hard as it may be to believe, mountain lions were once common throughout Indiana and most of North and South America. Known by names like cougar, puma, panther, and catamount, they thrived here before Europeans arrived. But as Indiana became settled in the 1800s and forests were cleared for farms and cities, mountain lions lost their habitat and prey base. Records suggest Indiana’s last verified mountain lion was killed in Greene County in 1858. By the late 1800s, they were declared extinct in our state. For perspective, there were an estimated 4,000 mountain lions in California in 1920. Today there are around 6,000. Yet by 1920, Indiana had none remaining. Over the next hundred years, reports trickled in of people spotting mountain lions in Indiana. But scientists found no definitive proof that breeding populations had returned to reclaim their native range. Then in the early 2010s, a flurry of sightings prompted investigations. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) analyzed evidence like photos, videos, tracks, droppings, and DNA. These analyses suggested animals spotted were not wild cougars dispersing from western states, but former captive lions that had escaped or been released. Let’s look at some examples… ### Examining the Evidence of Recent Mountain Lion Sightings in Indiana Mountain lion sightings continue to periodically occur in Indiana, igniting public curiosity. Here are just a few recent examples that made headlines: **Tippecanoe County, 2009** A farmer spotted a mountain lion in his field and captured it on video. The DNR determined it had likely been kept as an illegal pet that escaped or was released. **Greene County, 2010** A deer hunter videotaped a cougar pursuing a deer. The Cougar Network analyzed the footage and believed the gait did not match that of a wild mountain lion. It was likely a former captive. **Morgan County, 2011** A motorist driving at night captured dash cam footage of a mountain lion crossing the road. No clear shot of the face was obtained to compare to known individuals. **Daviess County, 2012** A wildlife officer responded to a report and took a photo of tracks left by a mountain lion. The tracks did not precisely match a wild cougar. **Grant County, 2013** A photo of a mountain lion was taken by a trail camera on private property. The lion was leaner than expected for a wild mountain lion. **Spring Mill State Park, 2016** A park visitor photographed a large mountain lion. The DNR was able to confirm it was a transient wild mountain lion passing through. **Pendleton, 2020** A resident captured photos of a mountain lion crossing his property. The DNR felt it resembled a transient cat not native to Indiana. So while tantalizing sightings continue, there is no definitive proof of a resident population. But what makes wildlife experts skeptical? Let‘s explore reasons why mountain lions are unlikely to call Indiana home… ## Why Don‘t Mountain Lions Live in Indiana? ### They Need Extensive Habitat Mountain lions are solitary hunters that roam vast territories in search of deer, elk, and other prey. They prefer rugged mountains and canyons out west. Males also need _at least 150 square miles_ of range to avoid competitors. Our patchwork of fragmented, flat woodlands surrounded by farms and cities make poor habitat compared to wilderness areas out west where lions still roam. ### They Need Lots of Prey An adult mountain lion eats the equivalent of _one deer per week_ to survive. Indiana does have white-tailed deer, but likely not enough to sustain a sizable cougar population. Competition with coyotes and bobcats for resources also makes recolonization difficult. ### They Are Extremely Elusive Lions avoid each other outside of mothers with cubs. They primarily hunt at night and dusk/dawn. Their tan coats blend into the vegetation seamlessly. This solitary, shy nature means even if passing through, they likely go undetected by humans. Let‘s see how populations are faring in states bordering Indiana… ## Recent Mountain Lion Sightings in Nearby States Indiana isn‘t the only midwestern state graced by occasional mountain lion visitors. Here‘s a snapshot of recent confirmed sightings in our neighboring states: **Illinois** There have been 59 cougar sightings confirmed by biologists in Illinois since 1990. However, there is no evidence any have taken up residence to breed. Most are young males passing through. **Kentucky** Since 1990, there have been 19 verified mountain lion sightings in Kentucky according to the Cougar Network. Again, no signs point to an established population. **Ohio** 14 confirmed mountain lion sightings have occurred in Ohio over the past 20 years. Researchers believe dispersing males from the Black Hills or western Canada are the source. **Michigan** Michigan DNR has confirmed over 30 cougar reports since 2008. But DNA evidence showed most were animals released from captivity, not dispersing wild lions. ### Where Do the Nearest Mountain Lion Populations Reside? According to the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the closest established breeding populations are in: - The Black Hills region of South Dakota – Population estimate of 20-30 adults - Niobrara River area of Nebraska – Up to 22 adults counted Both have stable but relatively tiny populations compared to western states like California and Colorado with 5,000+ mountain lions. The closest sizable population is in the Cypress Hills in Alberta, Canada. It‘s estimated around 75-100 mountain lions live in the remote forested region near the Canada-Montana border. But Could Mountain Lions Someday Return to Indiana on Their Own? Biologists say it‘s unlikely we‘ll ever have a large, viable mountain lion population again unless deliberately reintroduced (which is controversial). However, a few lone dispersers arriving every 5-10 years – especially from the direction of Canada – remains a possibility. Most would likely be transient young males exploring new terrain though, not females looking to settle down and raise kittens. "Indiana does not have a breeding population of mountain lions," says Joe Caudell, a Indiana DNR Mammalogist. "Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No. The habitat has changed so dramatically since they were extirpated." But what if the occasional visitor does pass through while we‘re out hiking? Let‘s look at how to stay safe if you encounter one… ## Safety Tips If You Spot A Mountain Lion in Indiana First, don‘t panic! Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare compared to the thousands of harmless encounters. But here are some tips from the experts if you find yourself face-to-face with one of these gorgeous beasts: **1. Give it space.** Back away slowly while facing the lion. Avoid sudden movements. Give it room to leave. The lion will likely flee rather than risk confrontation with something as large as a human. **2. Appear big.** Raise your arms or jacket over your head to look larger. Speak loudly and throw sticks or rocks if necessary. But try not to injure it if possible. **3. Pick up children safely.** If young kids are present, bend down slowly while facing the lion. Lift children without sudden jerky movements so you don‘t startle the lion. **4. Maintain eye contact.** Watch the animal so you know where it is and whether it seems aggressive. But do not make prolonged direct eye contact, which can seem threatening. **5. Don‘t run or crouch down.** Back away standing tall. Running may trigger the lion‘s instinct to chase. And crouching makes you seem more prey-like. **6. Fight back if attacked.** Use anything you have – sticks, rocks, backpack, fists – to hurt it and convince it you aren‘t defenseless prey. Aim for the eyes and nose. **7. Report the sighting.** Notify your state DNR with details. Photos or videos are extremely helpful for verification. Your report will help them monitor populations. Following these tips, you stand an excellent chance of encountering one of these gorgeous cats without incident. But what if those enticing rumors of "black panthers" wandering Indiana backroads turned out to be true? Would they be a threat? Let‘s separate fact from fiction… ## Black Panthers: Myth or Mystery? From time to time, news headlines erupt about alleged "black panther" sightings stalking across Indiana fields. Could these dark-furred felines be lurking right under our noses? Logic tells us no. Leopards and jaguars exhibiting "melanism" – the mutation causing all-black fur – are not native to Indiana. Jaguars are found in the Americas, while leopards occupy Africa and Asia. But it is hypothetically possible that black-furred individuals could escape from captivity. Or be deliberately released into the wild, similar to other illegally freed exotic pets. "I have received a couple reports over the years of possible black mountain lions," says Caudell. "Unfortunately, none could be confirmed by our officers or biologists." Rest assured though, even if a wayward black panther was roaming Indiana, it poses little risk to humans. According to big cat safety nonprofit Panthera: "There are no recorded incidents in North America of someone being seriously injured or killed by a black leopard, also known as a black panther." They suggest simply giving it space to retreat, just as you would for any mountain lion. While the idea of ebony mystery cats patrolling our woodlands is exciting, most evidence points to them being the stuff of legends and lore. But will mountain lions ever call Indiana home again beyond the occasional wanderer? Let‘s conclude by peering into the future… ## Could Mountain Lions Recolonize Indiana in the Future? Someday if habitat, human attitudes, and prey conditions change, mountain lions may once again prowl the patches and hollows of rural Indiana they were extirpated from over a century ago. But most wildlife experts agree we‘re unlikely to see significant recolonization without deliberate reintroduction efforts. "Many changes would be needed, including societal acceptance and sufficient habitat," says Caudell. "The habitat would be the most limiting factor. With agricultural and urban development, Indiana‘s habitat likely could not support more than a very small population of mountain lions." If breeding populations did reestablish, interactions with people and livestock like sheep would need to be managed carefully. But living alongside these beautiful beasts would certainly add thrill to hikes in the hills. For now, verified sightings will likely remain special anomalies to be celebrated. But who knows what the future may hold in our ever-changing relationship with wildlife? As an Indiana resident, I hope periodic mountain lion visitors continue gracing us with their presence now and then. Like ghosts of the past, they provide fleeting glimpses into prairies and forests gone by. I don‘t know about you, but next time I‘m hiking alone down an empty country road at dusk, I may glance a little more eagerly behind me to see if I‘m being followed by watchful wild eyes! Just in case the hoosier cougars someday reclaim their lost homeland. One can always dream… --- Source: [Is there any mountain lions in Indiana?](https://33rdsquare.com/is-there-any-mountain-lions-in-indiana/)