The Last Recorded Mountain Lion Sighting in South Carolina

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SPARTANBURG, SC - Mountain lions were once a common species in South Carolina and the eastern United States.

Hunting and other factors have since eradicated mountain lions from South Carolina and the eastern United States with the exception of Florida.

Despite this, there are still periodic reports of sightings.

According to the South Carolina Wildlife Foundation, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) receives around one report per month from residents who claim to have seen the big cats, particularly in areas like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville.

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However, no scientific evidence or confirmed sightings have been documented in recent years. Wildlife officials believe these sightings are often cases of mistaken identity, involving other animals such as large dogs, coyotes, or bears, according to the South Carolina Wildlife Foundation.

Despite reported sightings regularly, the last confirmed sighting in South Carolina was documented over 100 years ago, according to the South Carolina Wildlife Foundation.