I'm sort of proud to be part of an elite little group that has made eye contact with the illusive Carolina panther. 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. "Essentially we really are correcting something that listed a species despite its having gone extinct many, many decades ago, even before the Endangered Species Act was even enacted in 1973, Meaghan Racey with the Fish and Wildlife Service said. But then I found some female mountain lion sounds, and it was dead on. Well probably see younger males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the mountains. The DNR maintains mountain lion sightings using a system to receive, record and review mountain lion reports. The last native mountain lion known to be killed in Pennsylvania is on display in the State Museum of Pennsylvania . "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources . Male mountain lions, also known as toms, occasionally travel long distances and sometimes appear from South Carolina to New England, according to Perry. 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. Your Safety in Mountain Lion Habitat. South Carolina - South Carolina has not had any confirmed mountain lion sightings. 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? Well, this atleast proves that there are big cats in SC. 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. However, without females in the area, males are unlikely to stay for long. As a result, they are known to thrive in a wide range of ecosystems, so long as there is enough shelter and prey for the animals to live on. I stopped the car thirty feet away, and we stared at each other for a few moments. Few large animals have generated more lore throughout North Carolina than the cougar. There are Mountain lions in North Carolina. Our approach to admissions may be holistic, but our goal is singular: find the most well-rounded, academically accomplished and interesting students out there. 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. Instead, Lucas said the majority of sightings are likely misidentification of other animals like bears, coyotes or large dogs. But some residents, including Koehler, are already taking precautions. Posts: 1,441. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources receives at least 100 calls a year about mountain lions, according to SCDNR biologist Jay Butfiloski. The big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. But who knows in a generation or so what might happen, he said. Most sightings are not likely established populations. With the closest mountain lion population being in South Florida, cougars would have to travel very far to end up in South Carolina. However, the 1946 taxonomy is now in question. 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. Bobcats are South Carolinas only wild cat. Tom Horton; Jul 2, 2012 Jul 2, 2012 Updated Aug 20, 2020; . We Connect. One is located in the mountains and the other is found in the coastal plains. Many wildlife authorities and experts, however, remain skeptical of mountain lion sightings across the Southeast. Located in: Saluda Mountains. Many counties, including Spartanburg and Anderson, ban exotic pets. They were extirpated from Indiana by the late 1800s. They are extremely shy and nocturnal for the most part. 6. Are There Big Cats in South Carolina? Back away slowly, preferably to a place of shelter like a building or vehicle. 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. 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. 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. I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. Scientists view these large cats as a distinct population (but still the same species) from the mountain lions of the western U.S. Mistaken identities may also occur with the cougar's smaller relative, the bobcat. Mountain lions, or eastern cougars, once "lived in every Eastern state in a variety of habitats including coastal marshes, mountains and forests," according to the U.S. Even though the WV DNR says there are no wild mountain lions in the state, there are some held in captivity at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek. We need a top predator to keep the coyotes under control.. They did at one point, but the last one was spotted in the early 1900s. This Florida population, once down to about 50 animals, is now thought to be back in excess of 100 animals as a positive result of recovery plans. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 pounds. Only government bureaucrats could come up with a twist of logic like that. ), I am convinced, now more than ever, that we must be proactive with educator compensation immediately so that we can change the trajectory of the shortage in CCSD. The only established population of wild cats in South Carolina is the bobcat, which is not very large in the least. Flickr/Ken McMillan. Mountain lions once lived in much of the eastern United States. The mountain lion goes by many names, including cougar, catamount, panther, red tiger, deer tiger, and puma. 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. Panther cubs are adorableuntil they grow large enough to eat their owners and become difficult to handle. Andrew Moore of theGreenville Journalpens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. Contact: (855) 411-0505. The subspecies as described in 1946 was declared extinct by the U.S. Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. They are active hunters and may cover as much as 20 miles in a night. If you look closely enough, or have enough bright light, you can see spots amongst the dark fur. There's no question there are some. and that is exactly what makes these areas dangerous. Robert Downing, a former Clemson-based biologist for the U.S. 3300 Poinsett Highway Adults are largely nocturnal, solitary and territorial. Low near 65F. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. Im making fun, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. Like the Carolina parakeet, the predator cat couldn't cope with spreading civilization encroaching upon its feeding fields. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. Low near 65F. Sorry, Carolina Panthers football fans! The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. The thespians were nearly the stars of a Greek tragedy that day. The northeastern U.S. population is thought to have disappeared in the 1930s. Similar to Tennessee's wild elk and buffalo, the cougar was extirpated from the state around the early 1900s due to overhunting and . Even thought they're . They are found at elevations ranging from 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft. As a territorial species, these cats do not live close to each other. What You Need to Know! 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. But mountain lions dont get along well with roads, according to Perry. Their bobbed tail is one of their most distinguishing features. They believe what they saw, said Butfiloski. In fact, the wildlife agency has yet to receive a single piece of credible evidence even supporting the existence of mountain lions in South Carolina. Genetic data gathered from a number of samples shows a distinct lack of the genes required for that coloration. Search for cougars continues in Pennsylvania. The reason given is that it had declared the animal to be extinct in 2011. Have you spotted any of the above in an out-of-place spot in the Palmetto State! Black Bears. North Carolina - North Carolina's mountain lion population is said to have died out around the year 1900. At Furman, students live on campus all four years. DO NOT PLAY DEAD. In South Carolina, there are two resident populations of black bears, one in the mountains and upper piedmont and one in the coastal plain. In fact, there are more than 80 names for the puma, more names than any other animal, according to the book "Cougar: The American Lion," by Kevin Hansen.It is important to note, though, that pumas . "In South Carolina and in the wildlife community, there is no debate" about the presence of cougars in the east, Lucas said. The back story on why the myth or truth of the existence of Eastern cougars/pumas is consequential comes from Tennessee. 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. Old-timers there used to point out the bear pits where their ancestors trapped black bears for their pelts. They . Still 3 coon hunters treed and killed one a few years ago. This species is also known to hunt and potentially kill domesticated felines. Nothing there, however, is meaner than the redbugs which inhabit the pine straw. What is difference between bobcat and mountain lion? Young cougars are marked with dark spots. Currently, there has not been a verified sighting in over 100 years. If the sighting could have possibly been something else, then the state cannot confirm it as a mountain lion. Then there are occasional reports of mountain lion sightings in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, but no one to our knowledge has ever totally proved that what they saw actually was . A touring troupe of actors caravanned southward in the 18th century toward Savannah and were attacked by a pack of wolves near Jacksonboro. I do not believe that South Carolina has a free-ranging wild cougar population, said Butfiloski. 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. However, its unclear how many there arebecause no one tracks it. 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. According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, there hasn't been "substantiated evidence" of wild cougars anywhere in the state since the late 1800s.. In others, the encounters are more direct, like the report from a U.S. Forest Service employee who said a big cat had chased him into the Chattooga River. I'm not Bill Bryson, and this column isn't entitled 'A Walk In the Woods.' According to wildlife expert Ken Burton on the enature website, there are mountain lions in Western NC along the Smoky Mountains. More:Wandering South Carolina elk 'rules the roost' at new home in Charles Towne Landing. 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. These animals often end up being released into the wilderness areas. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. They do have a tail, but it is only about 6 to 8 inches long. By "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission told the Observer. Greenville Journal. Mountain lions have a long tail that is usually darker colored at the tip. 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. In a fight between mountain lion vs bobcat, the mountain lion would win. My father encountered one on U.S. Highway 172 north of Summerville 40 years ago. 'The DNR swears up and down there are no mountain lions left in SC. Black bears can be found throughout North America. At first, Koehler was concerned that it might be a woman or hiker in need of help. This is a list of known or suspected fatal cougar attacks that occurred in North America by decade in chronological order.The cougar is also commonly known as mountain lion, puma, mountain cat, catamount, or panther.The sub-population in Florida is known as the Florida panther.. A total of 126 attacks, 27 of which were fatal, have been documented in North America in the past 100 years. Since 1890 in the U.S. and Canada, there have been 100 attacks on humans at all, according to the research organization The Cougar Network. There is no way that this could remain a secret from the general population, said Butfiloski. Bobcats will eat a wide range of different foods. Except for a very small population in Florida, there are no known groups in the Southeast, or east of the Mississippi in all truthfulness.. Therefore, it is more than possible to live near them and never see them. For years state biologists have treated sightings with suspicion. While these cats are shy, they will live near humans to grant them access to livestock. Some accounts from people in places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings. Most people in the eastern U.S. havent ever seen a wild mountain lion or jaguar or leopard, said Butfiloski. CHARLESTON Four endangered red wolves have returned to the birthplace of South Carolina, going on display in a zoo where their species freely roamed more than 300 years ago. "There's just no scientific documentation to back that up." . Can Cats Eat Rosemary? Why are there no mountain lions in PA? There are some black cats, such as leopards, but they are not native to North America. I just assumed they were common around the Carolinas. (You know, like the mascot of the NFL team based in Charlotte). Sign up for our e-newsletters or subscribe to get our print publications. There are a number of answers to this question. The mountain lion has a long tail (2.5-3 feet), while the bobcat has a short tail (less than 10 inches). 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. 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. It was a female mountain lion.. 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. 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. These cats get their name from their short tail. In big cats, black panthers are actually jaguars or leopards. 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. Driving along U.S. 341 an hour before sunset near the intersection of Winterhaven Road, one mile east of Kershaw, I saw what appeared to be a very large Tom cat crossing the road. But its still against the law to shoot one. You probably won't find a mountain . The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, puma, and catamount, is the largest feline animal in North America. Eerie nighttime photos from trail cameras and tales of mountain lions attacking hikers flood social media and news channels. 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. Image Credit: bmarxdueren, Pixabay. 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. 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 Should I Worry? Usually a shy cat, the cougar prefers to stalk its prey and is rarely ever a threat to people. Also have positively ID'ed a large cat tracks on a pond dam on the same property, and the owner saw one 5+ years ago and now carries a .44 Mag on his hip whenever he goes hunting. Diana Marchibroda and her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion stepped out of the woods last May. Butfiloski said SCDNR would likely be eligible for federal money to study mountain lions and protect and manage lands for the presence of them if they actually appeared. 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