Mountain Lions in Alaska: Fact or Fiction?

The elusive mountain lion is well-known for its stealthy hunting tactics. It is a silent stalker, which concerns many outdoor adventure seekers. Awareness of their habits and habitat is critical if you spend any time in wilderness areas frequented by mountain lions. However, in areas where mountain lions are rare, tales of their appearance take on an almost mythical quality. One of the states these tales take on a life of their own is Alaska. But are there really mountain lions in Alaska?

The article below explores this question. We will separate fact from fiction on our journey to learn about mountain lions in Alaska. You will discover if mountain lions traditionally lived in the state and where they are today. 

Mountain Lion Habitat

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) also go by the names panthers, pumas, or cougars. And they live in nearly every environment. You will find mountain lions in desert landscapes and high mountain terrain. While they love rocky cliffs, they are also perfectly content in forests and wetland areas. 

The large cat will frequent areas that sit at sea level. But they will also roam closer to the tree line. Hikers may see them as high as 10,000 feet. 

As long as a region has abundant prey, mountain lions will happily call it home. 

The mostly solitary animals have a huge territory range. Adult males will claim a territory of up to 100 square miles. And while adult females have a smaller range, they still cover between 20 and 60 square miles. 

Mountain Lions Historical Home

The stunning mountain lion is native to much of the Americas. But Alaska was always considered out of range for the big cats. Most scientists believe they never lived past the Yukon.

Their historical range extended from as far north as the Yukon to as far south as Chile. The impressive animal had a sizable population in North America, Central America, and South America. 

However, hunters relentlessly targeted mountain lions over the years. And the growth of urban areas destroyed the mountain lions’ natural habitat. These actions decimated the mountain population. Conservationists have begun working diligently to restore it to sustainable levels.

These days mountain lions live in much of their historical range, though not all. Mountain lions within the United States now only live in about 15 states. 

Where Do Mountain Lions Live in Alaska?

State biologists do not believe that mountain lions have made a home in Alaska. However, that does not mean that the state does not have mountain lions. Alaska borders British Columbia. And the Canadian province is home to a good-sized mountain lion population.

Biologists estimate that roughly 3,500 mountain lions live in the Canadian province. And while that is not an enormous number, it is still an impressive amount of mountain lions. However, what is even more surprising is where a large portion of that population lives.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is well-known for its mountain lion population. In fact, it has the highest population density of big cats globally. And while that particular population won’t be making their way into Alaska, others in British Columbia appear to be.

Scientists suspect the mountain lion sightings in Alaska are due to the animal wandering into the area. After all, wildlife does not stop at state lines or country borders. 

Reported Mountain Lion Sightings

Residents of Alaska spend plenty of time in the wilderness. Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits pull on adventurers, drawing them into the stunning landscape. And while those venturing off into the wild of Alaska often see wildlife of all kinds, mountain lions have mostly been elusive.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has received numerous reports of mountain lion sightings from all over the state. Claims of sightings up by the Kenai Peninsula are not unheard of. But the majority (and most believable) come from closer to British Columbia. 

Department officials liken the reports to bigfoot. They may get a few calls a year. However, once they become public, other unsubstantiated reports pour in. 

Over the years, there have been multiple accounts of mountain lion activity in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. However, none are substantiated. And, a slew of sightings in the 1990s turned out to be a yellow dog rather than a large cat.

But reports of mountain lion activity in the Cleveland Peninsula have a stronger leg to stand on. State biologists believe the cats can easily wander into that area from British Columbia.

However, there are only a handful of documented and credible sightings. In 2000, a state biologist named Neil Barten saw strong evidence of mountain lion presence. And two years later, a state trooper laid eyes on one in Skagway. 

Additionally, there have only been two documented mountain lion deaths in the state. In 1989, someone shot a mountain lion near Wrangell, Alaska. And in 1998, a trapper was inadvertently caught in a trap on South Kupreanof Island.

If It’s Not a Mountain Lion, What Is It?

Many of the reported mountain lions in Alaska are suspected to be other animals, like the instance in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Many biologists believe that when someone spots a mountain lion, it is actually a large dog.

And other sightings are attributed to lynx, which are found in Alaska. Lynx are particularly well-adapted to the weather of Alaska in a way that mountain lions are not. And, though they are much smaller than mountain lions, lynxes are often mistaken for them. 

How to Avoid a Mountain Lion Attack in Alaska

The good news is that you will likely never encounter one of the few mountain lions roaming the state. Since they are not native to the area and there is no known established population, mountain lions will be few and far between.

State officials also want to assure people that the chances of a mountain lion attack are quite rare — no matter where you live. It may seem like they happen more frequently than they do due to the sensational news headlines when one does occur. But they are actually an infrequent occurrence. And there are no documented mountain lion attacks on humans in Alaska. 

However, in case you do encounter a mountain lion, there are a few safety precautions you should take. Make sure pets or small children are close to you during your entire outdoor adventure. Any predator, including mountain lions, is naturally drawn to those younger or smaller. 

Additionally, pick up your smaller companions to make them look larger if you see a mountain lion.

Do not approach the mountain lion. But do raise your arms, which will help you appear bigger. And whatever you do, don’t run. It will trigger the predatory instinct of mountain lions. 

And while mountain lion attacks are rare throughout the United States, know that you should fight back in the event of an attack.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kwadrat/Shutterstock.com