Mountain Lions in Kentucky

Lore and tall tales are full of stories about mountain lions. But stories about the elusive animal aren’t relegated to history. These days, photos and stories about mountain lion attacks quickly go viral online. It has caused some nervousness about the feline, and understandably so. However, there are not as many mountain lions living in the United States as these stories suggest. And not all states have a population of mountain lions, which begs the question — are there mountain lions in Kentucky?

Below we briefly examine mountain lions’ basics and where they live. Then we answer the question. You will learn all you want to know about mountain lions in Kentucky.

Mountain Lions Basics

One of the largest animals in the Western Hemisphere is the mountain lion (Puma concolor). It has many common names, including panther, puma, catamount, and cougar. The impressive carnivore is a member of the cat (Felidae) family. 

Mountain lion fur is primarily tan or another light brown shade. However, some have been spotted with reddish-orange fur. However, the chest and underbelly are white, and black adorns the ears, nose, eyes, and tail tip.

The largest cat in North America ranges from 80-225 pounds and grows up to 9 feet long. But adult male mountain lions are significantly larger than adult females. They average 140 pounds, while females average 80-90 pounds.

Mountain lions are solitary animals. Their territory only overlaps during mating season and when females raise their young cubs.

Where Do Mountain Lions Live Around the World?

Mountain lions have wide-ranging tastes in habitats. They are equally happy at sea level and 10,000 feet in elevation. Historically, they have lived in forests, wetlands, mountains, and deserts. And they have the widest distribution of any mammal in the entire Western Hemisphere. Mountain lions roam from as far south as Chile to as far north as the Yukon.

The impressive animal is more concerned with food availability than a particular environment. However, mountain lions seek regions with ample places to hide while stalking prey. So they prefer habitats with cliffs, rocky outcrops, or dense foliage. 

At one time, mountain lions lived throughout the United States. However, habitat loss and aggressive hunting drastically reduced the cat’s population. Now, only 15 states have breeding populations, and Florida has a small panther population.

Where Do Mountain Lions Live in Kentucky?

Mountain lions used to be quite common in Kentucky. One particular subspecies, known as the Eastern Cougar, is called the state home. However, it was officially declared extinct by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. Wildlife officials conducted extensive research and determined no Eastern Cougars remained by the 1930s.

In Kentucky, specifically, there are no confirmed reports of a local mountain lion population in over 100 years. The last known report occurred in 1899. 

However, there are two “close” mountain lion populations. But neither of them is close enough for the large cats to make Kentucky their new home. A small population of Florida panthers (another subspecies) still exists. Additionally, Nebraska has a population of local mountain lions that are a 900-mile journey away.

Despite the lack of a local breeding mountain lion population, Kentucky state officials still receive many reported sightings annually.

Mountain Lion Sightings in Kentucky

Officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources receive regular reports of potential mountain lion sightings. Biologists investigate each one. But they require physical evidence to confirm a sighting. So far, there are only two that meet their rigorous requirements.

In the summer of 1997, a car struck a female kitten. Then in 2014, a state conservation officer shot an adult male cat. The Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted DNA testing on the animal. Their results showed that the mountain lion came from South America, so officials believed it was captive and escaped. If so, whoever owned that mountain lion was operating illegally. The state banned mountain lions as pets in 2005. 

So, if there are only two confirmed sightings in the state, what about the rest of the reports? According to the state, they believe that the increased number of mountain lion sightings coincides with the repopulation of bobcats in the state. 

Bobcats have a similar coloring due to their brown fur. And although bobcats are significantly smaller than mountain lions, they are often mistaken for their larger cousin. The smaller feline is prevalent in Kentucky and lives in every county in the state. 

Additionally, while many states do have confirmed sightings from trail camera footage, Kentucky does not. With the large number of hunters traveling through the state and the abundance of trail cameras, state officials believe any local mountain lion would get seen. 

However, state officials will continue to monitor the movement of Western Cougars. They will keep residents apprised of any changes or notes they need to be aware of.

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