Mountain Lion Sightings Reported in Virginia Despite Said Extinction

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WINCHESTER, VA - Mountain lions, also known as cougars, have long captured the imagination of Virginians, with numerous unconfirmed sightings reported across the state.

Despite being officially declared extinct as a subspecies, these elusive predators continue to intrigue both residents and wildlife enthusiasts.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, mountain lions are impressive creatures, measuring 5-9 feet in length, including a 2-3 foot tail, and weighing between 100-200 pounds.

Their fur ranges from dark reddish to yellowish-brown on their back and lighter on their belly, with distinctive dark tail tips. These animals are well-adapted to a variety of habitats, including rugged mountains, hardwood forests, and even swamps, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Since 1970, there have been 121 sightings identified as possible mountain lions, though none have been officially confirmed.

Most of these reports come from Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding counties of Bedford, Amherst, and Nelson. Additionally, unconfirmed sightings have been reported in Albemarle, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, and many other counties across Virginia.

Mountain lions have no fixed breeding season and typically produce one litter every 2-3 years, with an average of 2-4 kittens.

The young stay with their mother for 1-2 years, often rearing their kittens in caves, rock fissures, or thickets. The home range for females spans 5-20 square miles, while males roam territories of 25 square miles or more, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

They mark their territories with scrapes, scratch hills, and topped with urine or feces as visual or olfactory warnings.

Although officially extinct, the mountain lion's ability to adjust to a wide range of habitats and the continued reports of sightings suggest that these majestic creatures may still roam Virginia's vast wilderness.

Whether myth or reality, the mountain lion remains a symbol of the untamed and mysterious aspects of nature in the state.