Mountain Lion Sightings Reported in Maine Despite Said Extinction

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PORTLAND, ME - Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are officially considered extinct in Maine, yet sightings continue to be reported across the state.

The Eastern cougar, once native to Maine, was declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011 after years of declining populations due to habitat loss, hunting, and reduced prey availability.

According to the University of Maine at Presque Isle, despite this, residents frequently report seeing large, tan cats resembling mountain lions, often in rural and wooded areas.

According to the University of Maine at Presque Isle, while the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife remains skeptical about the presence of mountain lions in the state, many reported sightings are attributed to misidentifications.

Bobcats and house cats are often mistaken for mountain lions, especially from a distance. Occasionally, escaped exotic pets or mountain lions that have wandered from western populations are also considered possible explanations.

Though no verified evidence—such as tracks, scat, or clear photographs—has confirmed the existence of mountain lions in Maine, the persistent reports keep the mystery alive, according to the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Experts continue to urge the public to report any sightings, as they would be significant for understanding Maine's current wildlife landscape.