The article below explores this question in greater detail. You will discover the historical range of mountain lions in the state and whether there is still a native population. Keep reading to learn all about mountain lions in Oklahoma.
Mountain Lions and Their Historic Range in Oklahoma
These large felines once roamed throughout Oklahoma. Historically, there was a sizable mountain lion population in the state. However, as settlers pushed into the area, they began putting pressure on the cats. The population expansion exerted pressure on the habitat of mountain lions. Additionally, much like in other parts of the country, many settlers feared that the large cats would decimate livestock numbers. Hunting began in earnest. But settlers did not just hunt mountain lions. They also over-hunted the local deer population. And since deer are the primary food source for the predators, the dissemination of the deer population added more pressure on the existing mountain lion population. The combination of habitat destruction, loss of food, and intensive hunting practices resulted in the eradication of mountain lions in the 1800s. There was a single documented sighting in the mid-1800s. However, after that, reports of mountain lion activity grew fewer and fewer until more recently.
Documented Mountain Lion Sightings in Oklahoma
Despite the depletion of the local mountain lion population, the large cats never gave up on the state. There have continued to be sightings in the 20th century, long after officials thought the feline was extinct. In 1953, a mammalogist at Oklahoma State University documented mountain lion tracks. They were discovered near Canton Lake in the northwest corner of the state. Then there was not much documented activity for approximately three decades. In 1984, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge manager spotted a mountain lion within the refuge’s borders. And confirmed sightings have steadily increased over the last twenty years. There were two confirmed sightings annually in 2006, 2009, and 2010. The number of annual mountain lion sightings ranged from two to five until 2019. Then in 2020, something appears to have changed. The Department of Wildlife Conservation confirmed 7 in 2020, 8 in 2021, and 4 before the end of April 2022. Most of these got confirmed from trail camera footage, and there is no evidence that multiple cats made cameos. Sightings were primarily confirmed in the following counties: Woodward, Cimarron, Osage, Pushmataha, Major, Pawnee, Pittsburg, and Ottawa.
Mountain Lions in Oklahoma Today
Officially the state acknowledges the likely presence of mountain lions in Oklahoma these days. However, they are reluctant to estimate how many cats call the state home. Wildlife officials receive dozens of reports annually about possible mountain lion sightings. And they do their best to investigate each thoroughly. But only some of the sightings can officially be attributed to the large cats. Most result in the conclusion that residents spotted a different animal. Some animals commonly mistaken for mountain lions include house cats, bobcats, and dogs. Wildlife officials look for physical evidence to confirm the presence of mountain lions. Those in Oklahoma have yet to find strong physical evidence of a breeding mountain lion population. So, without ample scat, tracks, or partial kills, state officials have determined the only mountain lions present in the state are those that wander in. In 1954 the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation listed the predator as a game species. However, these days you can only kill a mountain lion if you fear for the safety of yourself or your animals. If you do happen to shoot a mountain lion, report it to the game warden right away.
What Does a Mountain Lion Look Like?
One of the reasons other wildlife and domesticated animals get mistaken for mountain lions is that it can be difficult to picture the size of the predators. They are much larger than bobcats, commonly found in every county in Oklahoma. Male mountain lions average roughly 140 pounds but can get as large as 225 pounds. They get measured from snout to tail and average 7 feet long. But some males can grow to nearly 9 feet in length. Adult female mountain lions are on the smaller end. They average 80-90 pounds and can reach up to 7 feet long. Mountain lions have distinctive coloring. The bulk of their fur is a shade of brown, which ranges from light tan to reddish-orange. They have white bellies and chests. And there is black accenting part of their body. Typically, there are black tips on their ears, tails, snout, and around their eyes.
How To Avoid Getting Attacked by a Mountain Lion in Oklahoma
Although there is not a breeding population of mountain lions in the state, Oklahoma is relatively close to states with a native population. Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, and New Mexico all have sizable mountain lion populations. However, since at least one mountain lion has been seen roaming around Oklahoma, it is prudent to know basic safety recommendations. Make sure to pay attention to any warnings from local or state wildlife officials. If you want to head out for a walk or hike, do so after the sun has fully come up and before dusk. Mountain lions love to hunt in the lower-light periods of the day. Keep your smaller companions (such as kids and pets) close to you. Do not allow them to wander freely far from you. If you see a mountain lion, pick them up to make them appear larger. You also want to make yourself appear larger. Raise your arms high to accomplish this. Slowly back up without turning your back and avoid running at all costs. Doing so will trigger the predatory instinct of the big cats, and they may give chase. In the unlikely event, a mountain lion attacks you, fight back hard. Multiple accounts from other parts of the US illustrate that fighting back when a predator attack increases your chance of survival. So don’t panic and use whatever loose rocks or sticks are at your disposal.
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Mountain lions have protected game status with a closed season in Oklahoma. So, there is no hunting season. However, residents can shoot a mountain lion if their lives or animals are in imminent danger. How rare is it to see a mountain lion? The large felines are solitary creatures and exceptionally good hunters. You are unlikely to see or encounter one in the wild, even in states with larger mountain lion populations. In Oklahoma, most sightings got captured by trail camera footage. How do you know if a mountain lion is around you? Wildlife officials look for specific physical signs when investigating a mountain lion sighting. You can also familiarize yourself with them and keep an eye out for your next adventure. They include claw marks on trees or logs, tracks 3-5 inches wide, and fresh kill that is partially covered.
