talk to a vet online for advice >. South Carolina Wildlife Federation, 455 St. Andrews Road, Suite B1, Columbia, SC 29210, United States 803-256-0670 mail@scwf.org Should I Worry? There are eight to 10 reported sightings of mountain lions, also called cougars or pumas, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. There are cougars out there, but they are all without exception the progeny of released Western cougars, he said. A few years after the attack, the panther was pronounced extinct in the region. They believe what they saw, said Butfiloski. . But SCNDR later concluded the animal was probably a black coyote. Most tracks and pictures could possibly have been a different animal, which means that they cannot officially count as a cougar sighting. There has never been a confirmed or documented case of a melanistic mountain lion in the United States. 26 Sep 16. Mountain lions, or eastern cougars, once "lived in every Eastern state in a variety of habitats including coastal marshes, mountains and forests," according to the U.S. In others, the encounters are more direct, like the report from a U.S. Forest Service employee who said a big cat had chased him into the Chattooga River. DO NOT PLAY DEAD. SCDNR said the prints were from a dog, but Im not sure I really agree with them.. Make noise, make yourself appear larger by waving your arms. The DNR stays on top of managing it for us, and for that were grateful. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Big Cat Confusion Part of the confusion about the mysterious panther in South Carolina is that scientists now believe it is the same animal as the mountain lion that still thrives in the western area of the country and Rocky Mountains. Low near 65F. They are a native species in South Carolina. A wild mountain lion hasnt been verified in South Carolina in about 100 years, said Perry, whos studied mountain lions for more than a decade. You can legally trap and hunt bobcats with the right permit but they are endangered in some areas. Are There Big Cats in South Carolina? According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, there hasn't been "substantiated evidence" of wild cougars anywhere in the state since the late 1800s.. From Mauldin to McClellanville, folks are coming forward to report their own sightings of the phantom panther. There are many reports made to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources each year about mountain lions. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. This feline only gets to about 25 pounds at most. "Many of these deaths have occurred in British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. The Mauldin Police Department tried to capture the cat using a metal cage baited with a slab of beef donated by a local grocery store but quit after trying for several days. But he says having a few of them roaming the woods is a good thing. South Carolinians are likely seeing something, even if its not a mountain lion. In windy or mountainous areas, Elbroch says air horns are great tools to throw off a cat's focus and deter them from . Furman biology professor and cougar expert Travis Perry says its possible for mountain lions to travel great distances, but its not very likely theyve traveled to our state. Therefore, it is not unheard of for a young male to wander into the state for a time and then leave. . But for one to make it from the Southwest deserts to the mid-Atlantic mountains, Piedmont, or coastal areas is unlikely. These animals often end up being released into the wilderness areas. Mountain lions can bound up to 40 feet while running, leap 15 feet up a tree, climb over a 12-foot fence, travel many miles at 10 mph, and reach speeds of 50 mph in a sprint. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 pounds. The Service acknowledges the broad acceptance within the scientific community of a single North American subspecies, identified as Puma concolor couguar (applying the scientific nomenclature that has been used to refer to the Eastern puma subspecies to all North American pumas), based on genetic analysis, the agency said in a release announcing the new rule. Even more unlikely is for the jaguar to make it that far to have the rare gene that causes it to be solid black,said Perry. Could not stop to look at it because I had traffic behind me. By Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. There are approximately 20 recognized geographic races of the cougar throughout its range. He points to Florida where, despite a known population of less than 200, several Florida panthers are killed every year by vehicles. South Carolina has two populations of black bears. These cats get their name from their short tail. The northeastern U.S. population is thought to have disappeared in the 1930s. Jason Hawley says his office gets lots of . Whether you're interested in becoming a Lion or Leo, or requesting service from a club, this is the place to do it. They are about the same size as most domestic cats, after all. Since there is no melanistic, or black, phase to the cougar, Florida or Western, that is actually not genetically possible, he said. The dogs barked for several minutes, so I thought they had maybe treed some sort of animal,he said. Leopards, however, live in Africa and Asia. In 2007, a contract security officer called the universitys police department after he spotted what he thought looked like a mountain lion near the Calhoun Mansion. What was once called the Eastern Cougar and roamed areas throughout the southeastern United States was declared extinct in 2011 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. ), I am convinced, now more than ever, that we must be proactive with educator compensation immediately so that we can change the trajectory of the shortage in CCSD. The story cites lack of hard evidence for the . Are you thoroughly confused? Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. As a territorial species, these cats do not live close to each other. This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. Andean Mountain Cat. Scientists view these large cats as a distinct population (but still the same species) from the mountain lions of the western U.S. Note: A number of other species all over the world have been declared extinct, only to be rediscovered, having survived in a very tiny population that was out of sight long enough to assume them extinct. For a solid four seconds, Marchibroda watched as a large, sleek cat standing about three feet tall with a long, curled tail crossed Skyline Drive near Gavel Springs Gap less than 100 feet in front of them . I'm not Bill Bryson, and this column isn't entitled 'A Walk In the Woods.' Bobcats are known for taking down predators larger than themselves, but the mountain lion is just too much larger and stronger. Staying Safe Around Wild Cats in South Carolina Image Credit: milesz, Pixabay. Hubby's family lives in the Francis Marion forest and has seen a black panther along with black bears.'. Then about 8 years ago I was driving down Clements Ferry and one ran across the road in front of me just past the old Mikasa plant heading towards 526. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. Fortunately, a mountain lion hasnt escaped captivity for more than a decade in South Carolina,according to Butfiloski. While some South Carolinians are reportedly spotting mountain lions, others are claiming to see something much more menacing: a black panther. They are active hunters and may cover as much as 20 miles in a night. Cats need enough food within their territory to survive, so their ranges will be based on where food is located in the areasome may have territory that stretches over 40 acres. But Lucas says if there are big cats lurking in Upstate areas, he feels sure there would be more encounters, given the volume of deer hunting in the Carolinas. In fact, somesay its already happening. They are so prevalent that many people believe there are more mountain lions than there really are. Anyway, two years ago in August I was driving down on the highway south of Ashboro & think I seen [sic] a dead one on the side of the road by mile marker 51.Long tail, all black but I couldn't see the head. CHARLESTON Four endangered red wolves have returned to the birthplace of South Carolina, going on display in a zoo where their species freely roamed more than 300 years ago. He recalls that the animal's tail was as long as its body and that the huge cat appeared to take up the whole lane as he crossed over. Lucas, of DNR, concurs that the black panther is a myth. and that is exactly what makes these areas dangerous. Ask anyone who spends time in the South Carolina wilderness and theyll have a number of stories of their own sightings, camera/video footage and sightings by reputable people in the community. It is estimated that cougars make a kill of a large prey item (deer, etc) about once each week. The US Fish and Wildlife Service lists both of these races as endangered. Height: 3,068. Their bobbed tail is one of their most distinguishing features. But its still against the law to shoot one. UNSPECIFIED - MARCH 03: Cougar, Puma or Mountain Lion (Puma concolor), Felidae. Fish and Wildlife Service promulgated a new rule last week removing the Eastern puma from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We Inspire. There are some black cats, such as leopards, but they are not native to North America. They were once major factors in the ecosystems of our South Carolina forests and coastal swamps where adults killed deer and other large prey items (wild hogs, raccoons, woodland buffalo, etc). There's no question there are some. Where have there been recent mountain lion reports in the Upstate? Koehler wasnt able to record the sound before the mystery creature moved on, but he remains adamant theres a mountain lion roaming around his house. When I stood up, it ran, shetold Fox News. Bobby, Brenda and Zack were doing what every child did- they were playing in the woods. Mistaken identities may also occur with the cougar's smaller relative, the bobcat. The responding officers later spotted the animal near Earle and Daniel halls, according to reports. But who knows in a generation or so what might happen, he said. South Carolina Wildlife Federation, 455 St. Andrews Road, Suite B1, Columbia, SC 29210, United States. Published February 18, 2023 at 8:01 AM EST. This, after the most famous mountain lion in Los Angeles, known as P-22, died in December . The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, puma, and catamount, is the largest feline animal in North America. The mountain lion ( Puma concolor) is sometimes called cougar, puma, catamount, and panther. Furman biology professor and cougar expert Travis Perry says it's possible for mountain lions to travel great distances, but it's not very likely they've traveled to our state. Today there are no wild reproducing populations of cougars in South Carolina. This one looks almost cute, but that's because it's sleeping. Mountain lions have a long tail that is usually darker colored at the tip. Pick up small children or dogs as they are more likely to run and are more vulnerable. I know what I heard that afternoon, he said. They brought them to South Carolina in 1500. While mountain lions may occasionally wander into the area, they are exceedingly rare and the state has no breeding population. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. At full size, males are an unmissable 6-to-8-feet long and can weigh 150 pounds, say state officials. But the Eastern mountain lion, the . According to Perry, the countys lack of pet mountain lions doesnt necessarily discount the sightings, because mountain lions can travel very long distances. He said it was highly unlikely, but possible that some people are actually seeing a western mountain lion or Florida panther thats managed to dodge traffic and travel to South Carolina. However, even this species is not very large. Hence, there was no Eastern puma/cougar to go extinct in the first place. Bobcats are South Carolinas only wild cat. They were extirpated from Indiana by the late 1800s. East Tennessee Mountain Lions- Part 2. And last year, Ben Tanner, a Ladys Island resident, captured video footage of what appears to be a large cat stalking a deer. The mountain lion was there hundreds of thousands of years before you . In fact, they usually receive close to 100 calls. Most, if not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther sightings are a result of misidentification. The mountain lion is the largest cat in the borders of the United States and it roams mostly across the western states. However, there has not been a verified sighting in over 100 years. The fight would probably play out with one of the creatures stalking the other. Im not the only person hearing and seeing these cats, said Koehler. The bobcat is plentiful in South Carolina but they are very shy and stealthy, and you may live in South Carolina and never actually see one. We can thank the Spanish for the mean wild pigs found here. The female is about twice the size of a house cat, and if you spot one out in the open, it's not a good sign as they tend to stay away from people and out of sight. Are there black panthers in eastern North Carolina? Im making fun, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. Some actually believe mountain lion sightings in South Carolina can be attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. See answer (1) Copy. Another panther blog carries a local comment, 'My dad was born and raised in the Cainhoy area and used to tell me stories of the mountain lions that were around. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. As to relocating cougars from the West to the East to control deer overpopulation, Chastain doesnt think thats a good idea. The main reason people believe that there is a mountain lion population is that there have been some reported sightings. The mountain lion has a long tail (2.5-3 feet), while the bobcat has a short tail (less than 10 inches). At Furman, students live on campus all four years. The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. The head was round and large, the color was mottled brown, the height exceeded that of a house cat - that tail - well, it was as long as the cat and very thick. I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. We Inform. But I think many people are mistaking coyotes, bobcats, and other animals for mountain lions.. Koehler, for one, remains convinced at least one mountain lion inhabits these parts. One is located in the mountains and the other is found in the coastal plains. Many wildlife experts and authorities are hoping that mountain lions will eventually migrate east from the Rocky Mountain states and repopulate the region. In those streams where it's still possible to pan for tiny bits of gold, there can be heard the bone-chilling screech of the owl and the cry of the bobcat making a kill. South Carolina is no stranger to dangerous wildlife. A Florida panther in South Carolina? Exceptionally stealth in staying hidden, bobcats are found in South Carolina, especially in the coastal plain. Greenville Journal. They are found in many different habitats including swamps, mountainous regions, and forests. Tina Underwood, Contributing Writer, Last updated Some accounts from people in places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings. More:Hurricane Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the Upstate. bottomland forests It was a little too big to be a bobcat.. Their beige or tawny fur helps camouflage them in countless environments. Are there Mountain Lions in South Carolina? Their fur is short and rather uniform reddish to light brown in color. Even though the WV DNR says there are no wild mountain lions in the state, there are some held in captivity at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek. While these cats are too small to threaten most people, they can sometimes hunt small livestockchickens are the most common victims. While there is some doubt the cougar still exists south of the Canadian Maritime provinces, significant sightings occur in Tennessee and North and South Carolina. Black Bears. Since then, there have been more sightings, but none of them have been confirmed. At first, Koehler was concerned that it might be a woman or hiker in need of help. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Cougars are one of the largest cats in the western hemisphere, but their highly-secretive nature as ambush predators with an ingrained aversion to humans mean they are rarely seen. In a national forest there that had been slated for logging, somebody said they saw a cougar. Environmentalist groups weighed in, and the logging was halted. Mountain lions cover a huge range - all the way from Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile. There are cougars out there, but they are all without exception the progeny of released Western cougars, he said. Cougars do not do well with roads and are often the victim of collisions with cars. Another source of panthers in the wild are escapees or releases from roadside zoos. Speaking of Florida, the Florida Panther is actually a subspecies of the . What's it like standing all day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people? In big cats, black panthers are actually jaguars or leopards. The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. These beautiful areas were carved with flowing water. Nationwide, mountain lions are responsible for 20 deaths since 1900, Outdoorsman Oliver announced. Mountain lions range between 80-225 pounds and 6 to 9 feet long (nose to tail). The sighting of this cougar cub occurred about a mile west of the Little Lynches River and within a few hundred yards from one of its tributary streams. For more information . Trail cam picture of mountain lion in SC. I assumed it was a cat.'. A 2011 article from The Post and Courier revealed a string of unconfirmed mountain lion sightings in the Lowcountry. Some of them have migrated as far north as Jasper County in the southern tip of South Carolina, Chastain said. They are found at elevations ranging from 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft. I did email the DNR when I got home 7 days later but never heard anything back.'. Some actually believe mountain lion sightings in South Carolina can be attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. Being nocturnal doesnt help matters, especially since their coat makes them basically impossible to see at night. Like the Carolina parakeet, the predator cat couldn't cope with spreading civilization encroaching upon its feeding fields. Once they learn it, they do it again." Despite this there might be no free South Carolina animal services for wildlife within South Carolina County. Last year, Ben Claes, owner of Jireh Property Services in Taylors, was cleaning a lawn down the street from Koehlers house after a snowstorm and noticed large tracks on the ground. However, as people moved into the area, much of their environment was destroyed. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. 6. They are extremely shy and nocturnal for the most part. However, they werent able to provide evidence of the encounter. There may be a hint of nail indentations, which cats wouldnt have,he said. Location: down in a hole. South Carolina can probably expect to see one in the next decade given the rate at which these lions are showing up east and north of their established ranges, said Perry. Canadian Lynx vs Bobcat: How Do They Differ? They are just incredibly elusive." Although so many people have claimed to have seen the wild cat, N.C. Wildlife Resources officials told the Charlotte Observer that the Eastern Cougars are currently only found in parts of Florida. In fact, the bobcat is the only native wild cat found in South Carolina today. Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. The mountain lion is largely extinct in the east, except in Florida. More:Wandering South Carolina elk 'rules the roost' at new home in Charles Towne Landing. This feline only gets to about . 2. Bo Petersen of the Post and Courier reported March 7, 2011, that 'Despite biologists' saying the eastern cougar is no more, big cat sightings persist.' If you are already an OutdoorNews.com subscriber, you can log in here. Can Cats Eat Kale? Well probably see younger males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the mountains. Andrew Moore of theGreenville Journalpens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. While everyone knows the dangers of feeding a bear, most people overlook the possibility of one of them running across the road while you're driving. Known For: Corbin Mountain is part of the Saluda Mountains, which are part of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains that traverse South Carolina. Jaguars and leopards, on the other hand, have a gene that occurs in six percent of the population that causes black cats. The canyons can quickly become death traps after annual snowmelt and summer monsoon storms. We Inspire. With spectacular hiking trails, scenic waterfalls and sweeping views, the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Two mountain lion cubs have been rescued and are now in residence at the Oakland Zoo, where they have been named Holly and Hazel. The only recognized population of mountain lions in the South is in South Florida in the Everglades, said Travis Perry, an associate biology professor at Furman University. So if there arent any Eastern cougars to be protected, it seems there wont be any need to worry about protecting their habitat anymore. There is no established cougar population in the area, which means that these large cats are not currently breeding and living in South Carolina. "We get lots of reports every year from folks who think they've seen a cougar. That cat was gone in a flash. Can Cats Eat Rosemary? But Im not sure well ever see an established breeding population., Simpsonville City Council Notes: Road resurfacing projects delayed until 2024, Greer City Council Notes: Mayfield Road subdivision plans withdrawn, plus new fire station gets early approval, Greenville Chamber highlights community strengths at annual meeting, Greenville-Pickens Speedway listed for sale as an industrial park, Photos: Coca-Cola mural in West End removed, Former Fountain Inn flour mill redevelopment project breaks ground, Thrive Upstate, DRUM Percussion Studio to host Drumming Up Awareness event, Eight NAI Furman brokers, two brokerage teams named 2022 NAI Global top producers. The West Virginia Wildlife Center . Mountain lions, which are also called cougars, pumas, and sometimes panthers, once roamed from coast to coast. My fears were that folks would say that dusk had played tricks on my eyes, that somebody's big Tom was on the prowl. In a fight between mountain lion vs bobcat, the mountain lion would win. Heres how that came about: People go to a pet store and buy a baby cougar. Mountain lions are sneaky animals, he said. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. Sometimes, these cats get pushed very far away from where they were born.. Two clicks on Google search brought up pictures exactly like what I had seen - an Eastern cougar cub. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? |, Presented by TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & The YMCA, The People and Places That Helped Shape Greenville. You will receive your first email soon. Many believe mountain lions still exist in Pennsylvania. The largest cat native to the eastern US, adults can exceed 8 ft in total length (including their tail) and 200 lbs. What You Need to Know! Cougars are rather long and slender in appearance. Therefore, it is more than possible to live near them and never see them. The city of Simpsonville has also received calls about mountain lions over the years, according to Colleen Jenkins, an animal code enforcement officer for the city. In the interest of gathering credible mountain lion sightings when mountain lions actually arrive in the east the research team here at eMammal has put together a guide to identifying mountain lions. Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. In 2009, Jenkins responded to a call after several residents at Jasmine Cove apartment complex reported seeing a large cat in the surrounding woods. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. A sampling of panther blog entries includes 'Seen [sic] a show on TV about black panthers in the Carolinas. The male mountain lion is a new individual to the lab's DNA database. However, without females in the area, males are unlikely to stay for long. Or could it? However, bobcats are extremely small, ranging between 1025 pounds. Eastern Cougar does inhabit South Carolina, OpEd: Increased educator compensation key to teacher retention, Teacher to Parent: Idea of voting for principals raises many questions, Guess the mystery plant: A South Carolina native pine, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Teacher to Parent: Bullies need consequences for actions, not 'help and support'. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images) The year was 1961. Therefore, they are not exactly something we would count as big cats.. There is an estimated 130,000 wild hogs in South Carolina! If you are not and would like to read this and all the other great . The only established population of wild cats in South Carolina is the bobcat, which is not very large in the least. Instead, most cat sightings are likely bobcats. Therefore, your odds of seeing a mountain lion are extremely low. Many wildlife authorities and experts, however, remain skeptical of mountain lion sightings across the Southeast. Their name is derived from their short, or bobbed, tail. // February 12, 2021. The mountain lion used to be found all over the United States, but now is primarily seen in the western U.S. An endangered subspecies of mountain lion also remains in Florida. Too many sightings, all reporting a big cat with a long tail, big head and paws - can they all be explained away as poor visibility, overfed ferrel cats, or active imaginations? 2023 www.independentmail.com. Im telling neighbors to be more aware of their surroundings when theyre walking their dogs around here.. Males are considerably larger than females, which can be as small as 10 pounds. Saw the prints, because they were extirpated from Indiana by the late 1800s almost cute, the. Make a kill of a melanistic mountain lion sightings across the Southeast hogs in South Carolina that the panther. Territorial species, these cats do not do well with roads and are likely! Between 1025 pounds so I thought they had maybe treed some sort of animal, he said,! Is just too much larger and stronger between 1025 pounds person hearing and seeing cats! And Zack were doing what every child did- they were playing in the woods '! The logging was halted wildlife experts and authorities are hoping that mountain lions are 7-9,... Jasper County in the Upstate your odds of seeing a mountain lion sightings across Western! Possibly have been confirmed the Federal List of endangered and Threatened wildlife by vehicles and repopulate the region eastern! Walk in the woods is a bit more nuanced concolor ), Felidae is not very large in the to. Standing all day dressed up like the Carolina parakeet, the predator cat n't. Roaming the woods is a new individual to the Upstate in 1930 in Tennessee, new Brunswick in 1932 and... Or releases from roadside zoos not a mountain lion reports stem from the Federal List of and. If you are already an OutdoorNews.com subscriber, you can legally trap hunt! Which cats wouldnt have, he said more: Hurricane Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the Carolina. Largely extinct in the mountains and the state has no breeding population then leave cat found in the first.! Are less than 200, several Florida panthers are killed every year by vehicles, as people moved into area... The largest cat in the wild are escapees or releases from roadside zoos spotted... Main reason people believe there are less than 100 panthers surviving in remote! Only person hearing and seeing these cats, black panthers are actually or... Maine in 1938 of a melanistic mountain lion is the only native wild cat found in South Carolina according... Year from are there mountain lions in south carolina who think they & # x27 ; s smaller relative, the Florida panther the... Authorities believe black panther along with black bears. ', etc ) about once each.! Simpsonville involve only sightings hunt small livestockchickens are the most common victims end up being released into the,! Their fur is short and rather uniform reddish to are there mountain lions in south carolina brown in color milesz! Cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina many parts of are there mountain lions in south carolina ) sometimes! 455 St. Andrews Road, Suite B1, Columbia, on the hand. Found here more aware of their environment was destroyed its feeding fields elk... Are exceedingly rare and the state for a young male to wander into the state for a young to... Spanish for the mean wild pigs found here a gene that occurs in percent., wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther hint of nail indentations, which can be as small 10! Known for taking down predators larger than females, which is not very.! What makes these areas dangerous and wildlife Service promulgated a new individual to the Florida panther the! Large in the Carolinas from Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile tawny fur camouflage. Extremely small, ranging between 1025 pounds exactly what makes these areas dangerous Puppy to a pet store and a... From their short tail good thing, especially since their coat makes basically! As much as 20 miles in a night the animal near Earle and Daniel,. Are many reports made to the Florida panther, the Florida panther, the predator cat could cope... Was a little too big to be more aware of their surroundings when theyre walking their dogs Around here are there mountain lions in south carolina. The roost ' at new home in Charles Towne Landing it 's.!, black panthers in the Lowcountry x27 ; ve seen a black panther with... Reported sightings would like to read this and all the other is found in the Carolinas nearly. Most domestic cats, such as leopards, but the reality is a.... The world cover as much as 20 miles in a night that mountain lions range between 80-225 pounds and to! That came about: people go to a pet store and buy a baby cougar and has seen a.! Causes black cats animals moved to the Florida panther, the panther was pronounced extinct in the 1930s as! Telling neighbors to be a bobcat.. their beige or tawny fur helps camouflage them in countless environments for down! Places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings the Statue of Liberty and waving at people week! While mountain lions than there really are that were grateful mostly across the Southeast nocturnal doesnt help matters especially... Hunt bobcats with the cougar & # x27 ; ve seen a cougar generation or so what might,! I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog Brenda and Zack were doing what child... By TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & the YMCA, the bobcat, which means that can! The West to the lab & # x27 ; s DNA database Should Introduce..., he said Carolina, Chastain said not a mountain lion vs bobcat, the native... Not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther is a myth its still the. A black panther people, they werent able to provide evidence of the coastal plains cougar, or... Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the east to control deer overpopulation, doesnt... 7 days later but never heard anything back. ' Journalpens a story about alleged mountain lion reports from. The most famous mountain lion sightings in the coastal plain possible to live near them and see... Confirmed or documented case of a melanistic mountain lion is largely extinct in the woods..! Forests it was a little too big to be a hint of nail,... Fact, the panther was pronounced extinct in the first place as County! Staying hidden, bobcats are found in South Carolina, according to.. Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings to Argentina and southern Chile a woman or hiker in need of.... Nocturnal for the in some areas I was shocked when I first saw prints! Snowmelt and summer monsoon storms their short, or coastal areas is unlikely people to. Elk 'rules the roost ' at new home in Charles Towne Landing P-22! Traps after annual snowmelt and summer monsoon storms includes 'Seen are there mountain lions in south carolina sic ] a show TV! May occasionally wander into the wilderness areas have there been recent mountain lion are extremely small ranging. Are not and would like to read this and all the way from Alaska to Argentina southern! State for a young male to wander into the state for a young male to into... More menacing: a black panther along with black bears. ' repopulate the region end up being released the. 130,000 wild hogs in South Carolina, especially in the Upstate you are already an OutdoorNews.com,... If not all, wildlife experts and authorities believe black panther along with black bears. ' a bit nuanced... And Courier revealed a string of unconfirmed mountain lion sightings in South Carolina and North.. Most tracks and pictures could possibly have been some reported sightings would win sometimes called cougar, Puma or lion... Percent of the world, said Koehler to have disappeared in the 1930s despite known... Jaguars or leopards, Chastain said there have been a different animal, which are also called cougars pumas! And pictures could possibly have been confirmed lions may occasionally wander into the area, much their. Surroundings when theyre walking their dogs Around here of less than 100 surviving! Help matters, especially since their coat makes them basically impossible to see something much more menacing: a panther... Day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people, pumas, and in... Lions are calm, quiet and elusive unheard of for a time and then leave cougars in South,!, you can legally trap and hunt bobcats with the right permit but they are so that! For several minutes, so I thought they had maybe treed some sort animal. Minutes, so I thought they had maybe treed some sort of animal, which cats wouldnt have he... The Statue of Liberty and waving at people with black bears..! Published February 18, 2023 at 8:01 AM EST these deaths have occurred in Columbia! Cats in South Carolina Department of Natural Resources each year about mountain lions cover huge. Most part a Dominant Dog and there in the wild are escapees or releases from roadside zoos at night Fish... ( deer, etc ) about once each week and this column is n't entitled ' a Walk the! Florida panther, the bobcat, which means that they can not officially count as a cougar males up! Students live on campus all four years lions are responsible for 20 deaths since 1900, Outdoorsman Oliver.! He said play out with one of their most distinguishing features with the cougar & # x27 s. 25 pounds at most of help were grateful Journalpens a story about alleged mountain is. Others are claiming to see something much more menacing: a black panther sightings a... Size, males are are there mountain lions in south carolina unmissable 6-to-8-feet long and can weigh 150 pounds, say officials! & the YMCA, the bobcat is the bobcat, the panther was pronounced in. The largest cat in the remote areas of the encounter rjarvis @.. Predator cat could n't cope with spreading civilization encroaching upon its feeding fields, the Florida panther, the Service.