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    Mountain Lion Sightings Reported in Indiana Despite Said Extinction

    9 hours ago
    User-posted content

    FORT WAYNE, IN - Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, once roamed much of the eastern United States, including Indiana.

    However, by the late 1800s, these large predators were extirpated from the state, leaving behind only memories and a few place names.

    According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, despite their official extinction in the region, reports of mountain lion sightings continue to surface in Indiana.

    The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a system in place to receive, record, and review these reports.

    According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the only confirmed sightings in recent years occurred in fall 2009 in southern Clay County and spring 2010 in northern Greene County.

    Although it's uncertain whether these sightings involved the same animal, their proximity suggests it could be possible.

    The DNR receives numerous reports of mountain lions each year, but most turn out to be misidentifications of other animals, such as bobcats, feral cats, or even domestic dogs.

    Additionally, some reports are traced back to internet hoaxes.

    Indiana has no breeding population of mountain lions, and any confirmed sightings are likely to involve young, transient males from Western states where mountain lion populations have increased, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

    While seeing a mountain lion in Indiana is highly unlikely, the DNR encourages residents to report any sightings, particularly those accompanied by clear photographic evidence or tracks.

    For more information on how to report a sighting, Indiana residents can use the DNR's Report A Mammal form.


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