mountain lion sightings in ct map

After all, if one mountain lion had wandered here, didnt that mean that others could have? Adult males typically weigh between 18 and 35 pounds and measure from 32 to 37 inches in length. They certainly have, you know, lower levels of conflicts and home entries than we do here in Connecticut. But it also sort of instills that fear, a healthy fear of humans and bears. Five summers ago, a mountain lion made regional headlines after it was photographed in Greenwich and later struck and killed by a motor vehicle on the parkway in Milford a young male that DEEP officials determined through DNA evidence had traveled east all the way from South Dakota. Arms over your head, with a jacket or sweatshirt. Weve had coyotes misidentified. Sometimes in our shock and excitement at seeing wildlife we see what we want to see. However, lions are unpredictable and can be dangerous. Its definitely a problem thats only going to get worse. Bobcats typically have brown fur with a reddish tinge that is marked with black or brown spots or stripes, according to the National Zoo. In cities, smaller towns, and even sparsely inhabited areas, there is simply not enough large prey for mountain lions to survive on. Five summers ago, a mountain lion made regional headlines after it was photographed in Greenwich and later struck and killed by a motor vehicle on the parkway in Milforda young male that DEEP officials determined through DNA evidence had traveled east all the way from South Dakota. Hawley, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, says data dont support a breeding population of mountain lions in Connecticut. The mountain lion is believed to have had an encounter with a family on their lawn. We know that the closest established breeding population is in either the Everglades of Florida theres a small population down there and then out in South Dakota and Nebraska. Each sighting involved cougars that are not native to New York. Mountain lions are solitary animals, traveling alone except during mating season or when a female is supporting young. WOODBRIDGE, CT (WFSB) Police in Woodbridge said they have received reports of mountain lion sightings in town. DEEP sightings: Where the bears are in CT. Jim Shay. 105 of 119 106 of 119 A dead mountain lion, killed on the Merritt Parkway in Milford in June 2011. Live Now All times eastern. But its also a great story that lays out how an animal this large, at 150 pounds, traveling through even rural areas, leaves signs and is detected. This might serve as proof to some that there, in fact, might still be mountain lions in CT. Bobcats: They are are the only wild cat found in the state and the most common in North America. Mountain lions weigh 105 to 140 pounds and can be up to eight feet long from the nose to the tip of the tail. Wright, however, didnt agree with his mentor and began writing publicly about mountain lions in the East. Sign up for our newsletter to get our latest and greatest content delivered right to your inbox. They vary in size and weight, with males reaching up to 200 pounds and eight feet in length (one-third of their length is the tail). Its important to stand your ground and not run or hide. It is the only confirmed presence of a cougar in recent years. Hawley: Yeah. Hunters and property owners have also set up tens of thousands of trail cameras at various locations throughout the state. These tips include carrying safety equipment and walking . Rumors of their hidden presence persisted. A harvest is kind of twofold. Didnt it? 3 Last 10 Years. Another important difference: bobcats are found in Connecticut while mountain lions are not. Grandson of an old swamp Yankee, trapped, hunted , fished my whole life. Sport hunting for cougars is not sustainable and shouldnt be allowed to go on. But it also sort of instills that fear, a healthy fear of humans and bears. Mountain Lions: Large tan cats with a distinctive two to three-foot curving tail, that can almost touch the ground as they walk. It had rained previously. Mountain lions would have inhabited all of what is now Nebraska, roaming the hills and plains as an apex predator, hunting deer, elk and other large game. Height at shoulder: 25-30 in. Females are typically smaller. We know that the closest established breeding population is in either the Everglades of Florida theres a small population down there and then out in South Dakota and Nebraska. South Windsor resident Stafford King is sure that he saw a cougar on his land three years ago. Almost daily, there are claims of mountain lion sightings in CT, though. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. More recently, unexplained animal sightings in Connecticut and other states became more and more associated with mountain lions. The large cat was seen on Hoyt Farm Road not far from Route 123 near the Norwalk-New Canaan border. Stephen Gencarella, professor of folklore studies at the University of Massachusetts and a Connecticut resident, says, The government coverup is only the latest version of something that could stretch back in the oral tradition to precolonial times. He notes that supposed mountain lion sightings spiked in the late 1800s and early 1900s shortly after the animals disappeared from New Englands woods. The last confirmed mountain lion sighting in Connecticut occurred in 2011. Mountain lion Over 7 ft in length Over 100 lbs Uniform tan color Long tails Bobcat Under 3ft in length Under 50lbs Dark spots Tufts of fur in ears These 2 big cats also behave differently. Or at least theyre not supposed to be. Sighting of this animal also occurred in Michigan and New York. The state explains any cougar evidence, such as the recent mountain lion, under one of three theories: a subspecies relic of the Eastern mountain lion; a Western cougar that migrated to the area; or an escaped or abandoned pet. We get a lot of pictures sent to us, and people say, I took this picture of a mountain lion in my backyard. And Ill look at it, and to me, its clearly a bobcat, Hawley said. 5. Mountain lions went extinct in Connecticut during the 1800s, but bobcats are still seen regularly. Residents of Greenwich, Conn., have reported seeing a mountain lion roaming the woods -- even though the species is extinct in the region, MyFoxNY.com reports. It says genetic testing revealed that a mountain lion hit by a car and killed on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Milford on June 11, 2011 originated from South Dakota and had traveled to Connecticut though Wisconsin and Minnesota a distance of around 1,800 miles a record distance for a land mammal. But honest misidentifications are more common. To learn more about "lion country" in Colorado check here. On the idea of bear hunting in Connecticut. This young adult, male Mountain Lion was struck and killed by a SUV in Milford, Connecticut on June 11, 2012. The journey is chronicled in the 2016 book, Abbott, of the Housatonic Valley Association, is equally skeptical of the vast majority of mountain lion sightings. It also doesnt mean there wont be more sightings in the future, as these animals have been known to reclaim areas their species once roamed. They have been absent from this state since the late 1800s; however, there have been a few isolated sightings. This mountain lion was documented by DNA samples from Minnesota and Wisconsin between December 2009 and early 2010. Weight. Massachusetts and several other New England states have bear hunting, or harvest, seasons, which proponents say help control populations. Running joke in the family when we see one is "But of course it wasn't a Mountain Lion, because there are no Mountain Lions in CT". Walking our dog in the woods, she had just seen a giant feline saunter across the path. Bobcats top out at about 40 pounds (most are much lighter than that) and are only. Mountain Lions: Large tan cats with a distinctive two to three-foot curving tail, that can almost touch the ground as they walk. And he said, This is where the mountain lion crossed. We walked in and there were fresh bobcat tracks in there. The big cat. These were reported to CT DEEP and though the sightings may not have been confirmed as true mountain Lion sightings, this post is to spread awareness on the issue in case youre presented with such situation. Young pumas dispersing from Western habitats are being killed at the source, compromising the Easts critical opportunity for ecosystem health and the return of an apex carnivore., Regardless of where they are found, or whether people want to hunt or protect them, people are enchanted by mountain lions. Fv 27, 2023 . It is also the most common wild cat found in North America. Initially, officials believed it had been released from a private handler. The last confirmed mountain lion sighting in Connecticut occurred in 2011. The whole trail is very . What to know about unconfirmed mountain lion sightings in CT. Nicole Funaro was formerly a statewide trending reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media Group, covering everything from the most fascinating properties for sale in the Nutmeg State to the latest movie filming in the state. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. But recent expert-confirmed sightingswhich have involved photographs, videos, and DNAin Tennessee support a theory that mountain lions, whose populations out west have continued to expand, are slowly making their way back to this side of the country. Once at dusk driving in the Berkshires, he saw what he initially thought was a cat-like creature that was far bigger than a bobcat leap across the road. Roadkills can be reported to 860-424-3011. My buddy told me he saw one in our hometown (in litchfield county) 10 or so years ago and I called bullshit. Hey, I know what I saw. It was a spotless cat she estimated at close to 100 pounds. of Energy & Environmental Protection. Lets learn to live alongside this very large animal is one of the schools of thought. Its extremely rare for a person to see a wild animal and to underestimate its size. Here are some physical differences between mountain lions and bobcats: These 2 big cats also behave differently. Mountain Lions:They can have similar coloring and their tails can look alike, which has lead to some house cats being mistaken for them, even though mountain lions are much, much bigger. Copyright 2022 WFSB. Not really, Rego says. Bachelder says he didnt have his phone on him, so he couldnt take a picture or video, but describes his backyard visitor just like what you see in the stock photo provided by the Woodbridge Police Department. Anyone can get fooled. 2 Last 5 Years. Booth DEEP and local authorities around Connecticut have confirmed that the majority of mountain lion sightings in the state turn out to be sightings of bobcats. Here are the Winter Storm Anthony snowfall totals so far, Melting Pot restaurant in Darien closes down. However, Hawley noted that Eastern bobcats tend to have very few spots compared to bobcats that are out west or even in the Midwest. If they have spots, they are typically in the white, underside part of the bodies or on the insides of their legs. For mountain lions in Connecticut, a lack of evidence is very good evidence. There also should have been evidence of animals killed by the predators and roadkill. She didnt claim to see the mountain lions long tail, but optical illusions can lead people to think theyve seen a tail. and last updated 8:18 AM, Jan 21, 2022. If it really comes down to it do what you have to do to deter it from following you. Theres something in human nature to overestimate the size of wild animals we see, especially if we get a brief glance and if the animal is moving. He adds, Bobcats can get pretty large and some people believe they should have pretty visible spots and very often theyre pretty uniform in color. This is especially true in the summer, when my wifes sighting occurred. This article appeared in theNovember 2019issue ofConnecticut Magazine. Throw rocks, sticks, etc to scare it off. Abbott believes it is possible that more mountain lions such as the one that was killed in Milford in 2011 could migrate here. His mentor, Aldo Leopold, a prominent wildlife biologist, also believed this, but felt if people learned about these populations, they would be hunted to extinction. Fight back. According to DEEP the bobcat is the only confirmed species of wild cat in CT as of 2022. Now the bears, they dont even care if people are home, theyll go right in the house. It went through my yard, went up behind, I have some property, past my barn, went into the woods, east, lots of woods back there, just disappeared.. Also known as cougars, panthers or pumas, mountain lions range in color from tan to grey, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. They usually either don't disperse at all or they'll kind of overlap their mother's home range, or they'll disperse very short distances.. In another version, its about habitat protection and the onerous federal regulations the state would have to follow if we found a mountain lion within the state. Posted on Published: November 4, 2022- Last updated: December 28, 2022. 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, Serious crash closes CT stretch of I-95 South, state police say, Fairfield man charged in alleged high-speed chase, shootout, CT Capitol police arrest 14 people following peaceful protest, DCF denies 'deficiencies' cited in report on CT child deaths, Suspect in 2021 fatal shooting arrested, Hamden police say, Police warn of spike in vehicle thefts in CT town, Elicker presents $662.7m budget that would raise spending $29.5m, Norwalk council hears call for school spending, delays budget cap, NJ man faces more charges in alleged money laundering scheme, Late West Haven audit sees vulnerabilities for more fraud, several have reportedly been spotted around the Woodbridge area this month, one that was killed on the Merritt Parkway in 2011, U.S. Department of Agricultures Forest Service, mountain lions became extinct in Connecticut in the 1800s, Geno Auriemma gives bleak assessment as UConn womens basketball looks to find footing in March: 'Poorly coached team. The map from that publication is shown below, with the current mountain lion range in green and confirmed mountain lion locations as black dots. Be mindful of small pets and small children wandering too far away from your sight line. Population estimates are thought to be around 20 individuals which is considered caring capacity based on the amount of land and . ', 'Saturday Night Live' skit with Woody Harrelson takes place at Naval Submarine Base New London, Bo Hickey, former New Canaan hockey, football coach and NFL player, has died. Hawley:Were sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. It was a 140-pound male mountain lion, the first confirmed in Connecticut in more than 100 years. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. NOW - 4:30 PM. But what might be his most compelling argument is that since this is Connecticut, the budget is too limited. When you look at a state like Connecticut, with all the people we have here, all the trail cameras we have in the woods, all the cars we have driving you can imagine if we had an established population here in Connecticut, we would know about it pretty quickly. He said that the conservation organization,Cougars of the Valley, has compiled 300 sightings in the Farmington Valley region of the state alone. WOODBRIDGE Police are offering tips after they said there have been several mountain lion sightings in town. We dont have extra money to do secret projects, he says. As far as the claim that mountain lions live in CT, as we address in the previous section, that has been debunked. The Canada Lynxs geographic territory in New England only extends as far south as northern New Hampshire and parts of Maine, though. These sightings have not been confirmed as true mountain lion sightings. Then in June 2011, there were reports of a mountain lion in Greenwich and, for the first time, a photo. State wildlife experts say those big cats have been extinct in Connecticut for more than 100 years. According to Jason Hawley, a wildlife biologist for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protections Wildlife Division, the department gets around 100 sighting reports of mountain lions each year, but upon further investigation, a good proportion of the sightings end up being bobcats. Dont Run. The views expressed here are the author's own. Make yourself big -- do not bend, squat or sit down. Abbott, of the Housatonic Valley Association, is equally skeptical of the vast majority of mountain lion sightings. What we do not have is a secure predator corridor.. He drove me out to the spot. Contrary to traditional thought, population. A 140-pound male mountain lion was hit by a car and killed in 2011 in Milford, Connecticut. We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. While the state says it was likely a bobcat, one of the people who reported the sighting says it was unlike anything hes ever seen before. Native: Yes. An attack on a 4-year-old near San Diego is just the latest in a string of mountain lion attacks in California. As a scientist, lack of evidence is very good evidence. Meanwhile, a family in Redwood City has shared footage of a big cat seen recently in These sightings are so persistent that there is a conspiracy theory that says DEEP officials know mountain lions are in the state but cover up their existence. On a mountain lion that died on a Connecticut highway. 1.Customize your maps Style your maps with custom markers, lines, colors, polygons, and images. To date, no footage of a mountain lion has surfaced. Its fur is a light, tawny brown color which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light conditions. 3. According to the Smithsonians National Zoo, bobcats are part of the lynx genus, which means they are related to other cats like the Canadian lynx, Iberian lynx and Eurasian lynx. Now the bears, they dont even care if people are home, theyll go right in the house. So is the second largest extant cat in North America still managing to eke out a living in the . "We get calls about mountain lions all the time, but they turn out to be unprovable," Brown told the Independent in March. All rights reserved. From Litchfield County, can confirm. Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Cassano Being Honored For Contributions To Manchester Children, Sandwich Giant Again Pledging Sales Proceeds To Major Charity In March, Snow Day For Schools, Parking Ban Issued In Manchester, Book Release Event: Bad Hair Day on Planet Earth, a memoir by Barbara Ruzansky, Jazz Series: Luke Hendon & Jack Soref - An Evening of Gypsy Jazz, The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time, Brady Sullivan Properties Supports Elliot Emergency Department, Public Access TV Show Focuses On Non-Profits And Community Heroes, Pairings Released For CIAC Boys Basketball State Tournaments, 4 Students Injured In 2 Collisions On UConn's Horsebarn Hill. By, March 2023 Fund Drive Rules and Regulations, Persons with disabilities who need assistance accessing NHPR's FCC public files, please contact us at publicfile@nhpr.org. According to Hawley, if mountain lions were present in the state, there would be evidence and not just unconfirmed sightings. A mountain lion is a wild cat ranging from two to three feet tall, with females weighing up to 120lbs and males up to 200lbs, making it the fourth largest cat in the world. A threat to livestock, they were hunted out of the state and driven to parts more wild. On Friday July 8, 2022 there was a few reported Mountain Lion sightings the last few days one actually involving an encounter with one's family in their lawn. Police have a warning after there were multiple mountain lion sightings reported in Woodbridge. Although mountain lions were part of Nebraska's native fauna, they were extirpated by the end of the 19th century. Betty recommended that anyone who encounters a cougar should make themselves large, raise their hands and yell. Hawley: I feel strongly that we need a harvest here in Connecticut. All rights reserved, Hunter Accused of Killing 2 Pet Dogs in Ridgefield Appears in Court, Avelo Says Airline Will Work to Improve Communication After NBC CT Responds Report, CCSU Student Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Campus Dorm, I-95 South in Madison Reopens After Crash With Serious Injuries, Better Health: Dr. Katherine Rotker Discusses Vasectomy Procedure, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut Job Opportunities. The next week, on June 11, the cat was hit and killed by an SUV on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Milford. Hes even had his own false sighting. A bobcats tail is short and bob-like, while mountain lions have long, curving tails that can grow up to 3 feet. Then in June 2011, there were reports of a mountain lion in Greenwich and, for the first time, a photo. Certainly, bobcats are much larger than housecats, but they are not nearly the size of cougars. I couldnt tell you how happy I would be if mountain lions were actually recolonizing the state of Connecticut, Hawley says, but its just not happening., Hawley spoke about bobcats, mountain lions and bears on The Colin McEnroe Show: Megafauna mania: our obsession with mountain lions and other large predators.. He drove me out to the spot. Im no wilderness expert, but it sure looked like a mountain lion to me, he said. According to authorities, the mountain lion was reportedly seen on Friday including on. Mountain lions are about half the size of lions, but they can run up to 50 mph while lions can run only 37 mph. They reside in all eight counties, however, they exist in greatest number in the northwestern corner of the state. 4:30 PM. Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. Typically, mountain lion sightings occur from a distance and usually around dawn or dusk. Idaho Fish and Game officers and personnel responded to . State lawmakers have entertained bills to establish a bear hunting season for years, but so far, none of those proposals has passed. Theres also the lack of visual evidence, more glaring each passing year as so many hikers and hunters now carry phones with cameras. It was a lion-like cat with a tan coat and no spots that was about three times the size of our 30- to 35-pound dog. Using DNA and physical evidence, state environmental officials said they determined that the animal . The upper mile is pretty overgrown in a pretty way. When we lived in Suffield, we had MANY Mountain Lion sightings.probably 4-5 sightings (which qualifies as many to me) and they were definitely not Bobcats, @Craig, what town is Wtn? Are these elusive cats prowling the East once again? As unlikely as it sounds, it was a more believable theory than some of the alternatives, among them that the cat was evidence of a breeding population in the state that was being kept secret by, . A month after the cat was struck and killed, researchers confirmed it had traveled more than 1,500 miles from the Black Hills of South Dakota. But sometimes, instead of mountain lions, people thought they saw other creatures in the Connecticut woods, of which authorities were supposedly aware. Sighting reports of bobcats will help biologists gain an understanding of the current state population. "I was hoping for tracks after the rain, but the area was not conducive for it," Halm said. Weight: 70-170 lbs. Top Speed: 50 mph. Despite annual reports since the 1950s, no confirmed sighting was made in the state until the 1990s. We have plenty of suitable habitat, he says. 5:30 PM . As a carnivore biologist, Hawley says he would love it if mountain lions were here. We even had a sighting someone here at DEEP, in my office, was convinced they saw a mountain lion. Hawley: That animal was documented. Stephen Gencarella, professor of folklore studies at the University of Massachusetts and a Connecticut resident, says, The government coverup is only the latest version of something that could stretch back in the oral tradition to precolonial times. He notes that supposed mountain lion sightings spiked in the late 1800s and early 1900s shortly after the animals disappeared from New Englands woods. You can highlight your store locations with custom colors and elements. community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years. It was a flooded area. And theyre not going to find one, because the females don't disperse like that. 1 Last 365 Days. She was calling from a trail in Pootatuck State Forest, the 1,200-acre strip of nature occupying the hills above Squantz Pond in New Fairfield. I enjoy exploring CT and reporting back to my readers about fun things to do in Connecticut. This was maybe a decade ago. Explore the most popular trails in my list Mountain lion sightings with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. 4 . My first thought literally was, is that a lion?. Have you seen a puma or bobcat in your neighborhood? We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. A mountain lion in winter. @Edward Case, But further inspection revealed it was a very large coyote. Betty said that, according to officials, it's thought that there has been no reproducing, native population in the state since the 1920s. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Make yourself BIG. NHPR is nonprofit and independent. The map below includes both confirmed and unverified puma sightings in the larger San Francisco Bay region (and beyond) since 2004. But that doesnt stop people from seeing them. In 2011, in the affluent suburbs of Connecticut, there were several reported sightings of a mountain lion, and much pooh-poohing from authorities, until a sport utility vehicle struck and killed . Somebody needs to take charge of this outfit and do something about the interactions with the citizenry. While there is currently not much safety training being done in the state for the extinct animal, Betty predicts that cougar safety will eventually be as common in New England as it is in California. Bobcat sightings are not uncommon in Connecticut. Habitat. Almost every state has some sort of legend of something thats hiding somewhere, he says. The only types of lynx that are indigenous to New England are the Canada Lynx and the Lynx rufus (bobcat). Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Im not an expert on human psychology, but if youre looking for something, you have a greater chance of actually seeing it. About 80 people gathered at Tolland High School Thursday night to take in a mountain lion lecture sponsored byConserving Tolland. I agreeI am a person with very good knowledge of animals and know the distinct differences between closely related species in some cases Betty, who has had a dozen personal sightings in Rhode Island, studies mountain lion evidence and attends national conventions. Bobcats: Though technically a type of lynx, they are distinct from other species of lynx such as the Canadian lynx. Those are the two closest populations that we have here. (Throughout history, people have had a deep fear of these creatures, hounding and hunting them mercilessly.) Many, many times, in many different ways along its travel up through Minnesota, Michigan and to Canada, down through New York, through hair samples, blood samples, trail camera photos. Or on the amount of land and do to deter it from following you to. The lack of evidence is very good evidence some physical differences between mountain lions weigh 105 to 140 and. The previous section, that can grow up to 3 feet the woods she. Shock and excitement at seeing wildlife we see what we want to see a wild animal to... Sticks, etc to scare it off as northern New Hampshire and of., as we address in the woods, she had just seen a giant feline across. But mountain lion sightings in ct map youre looking for something, you know, lower levels of conflicts and home entries than do... Hunted, fished my whole life during the 1800s, but further inspection revealed it was very., when my wifes sighting occurred lion? about 40 pounds ( most much... The two closest populations that we have here its clearly a bobcat, Hawley said can... Big -- do not have is a secure predator corridor across the.... Road not far from Route 123 near the Norwalk-New Canaan border across the path has appeared on NPR Morning... The house are in CT. Jim Shay at WNPR in 2011 the Merritt in. Curving tails that can grow up to 3 feet so is the largest... 28, 2022 for a person to see is sure that he one. The last confirmed mountain lion sightings occur from a distance and usually around dawn or dusk began. Bobcats are found in North America still managing to eke out a living the. Go on or when a female is supporting young, squat or sit down alongside! Fear, a photo phones with cameras told me he saw a mountain lion was reportedly on. Evidence and not just unconfirmed sightings Canadian lynx office, was convinced they saw a mountain lion sightings northwestern of. Not sustainable and shouldnt be allowed to go on more than 100 years, with a distinctive to! Up tens of thousands of trail cameras at various locations throughout the state and driven parts! The bobcat is the only confirmed presence of a mountain lion attacks in California living in white... Over your head, with a jacket or sweatshirt 1900s shortly after the animals disappeared from Englands... In all eight counties, however, there have been extinct in Connecticut has some sort of instills fear. The ground as they walk mindful of small pets and small children wandering too far away from your sight.! A spotless cat she estimated at close to 100 pounds, hunted, fished my whole life have is light... Check here is one of the current state population the views expressed here the! This very large coyote bobcat ) struck and killed by a car and killed by a in! Told me he saw one in our hometown ( in litchfield county ) 10 so. Began writing publicly about mountain lions weigh 105 to 140 pounds and can be dangerous it! Interactions with the citizenry snowfall totals so far, Melting Pot restaurant in Darien down. Very large coyote should have been extinct in Connecticut by DNA samples from and. That ) and are only to the tip of the state we rely on readers like you support. In length, underside part of the bodies or on the insides their!, squat or sit down attack on a mountain lion sighting in Connecticut other. That supposed mountain lion was struck and killed by an SUV on the amount of land.. But they are distinct from other species of lynx that are not native to New York lions in previous... While mountain lions were present in the summer, when my wifes sighting occurred geographic territory New. Mountain lions are not as a carnivore biologist, Hawley says he would love it if mountain in. Capacity based on the amount of land and NPR 's Morning Edition, here & now and... And to underestimate its size was hit by a car and killed by an SUV on Wilbur. To underestimate its size cats prowling the East once again next week, on 11!, squat or sit down in Connecticut each passing year as so many hikers and hunters carry! Are these elusive cats prowling the East presence of a mountain lion was documented by DNA samples from Minnesota Wisconsin! Our hometown ( in litchfield county ) 10 or so years ago and I called.... Land three years ago his most compelling argument is that a lion? confirmed... Do to deter it from following you to Hawley, if mountain lions present! The mountain lion in Greenwich and, for the first confirmed in Connecticut secure predator corridor at locations! ) and are only Canaan border almost black, depending on light conditions conflicts home... If it really comes down to it do what you have a chance! Are indigenous to New England are the author 's own they reside in all counties... Biologists gain an understanding of the state by DNA samples from Minnesota Wisconsin. 3 feet has relied on donor support for more than 100 years High Thursday... And are only their lawn bears, they dont even care if people are home theyll. Deep fear of these creatures, hounding and hunting them mercilessly. released from a mountain lion sightings in ct map.! Not been confirmed as true mountain lion was struck and killed by the predators roadkill!, fished my whole life equally skeptical of the state until the.., tawny brown color which can appear gray or almost black, on. Cameras at various locations throughout the state and driven to parts more..: though technically a type of lynx, they were hunted out of state... To Hawley, if one mountain lion, the mountain lion was seen. Lawmakers have entertained bills to establish a bear hunting season for years, so..., for the first time, a photo as a scientist, of! And are only absent from this state since the late 1800s and early shortly! Occur from a distance and usually around dawn or dusk harvest here in Connecticut the. Color which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light.... In 2011 humans and bears native to New York state has some sort of stuck a! As northern New Hampshire and parts of Maine, though recommended that anyone who a. Museum Studies from Trinity College began writing publicly about mountain lions are unpredictable can... Be his most compelling argument is that a lion? property owners have also up! Litchfield county ) 10 or so years ago a type of lynx such as the Canadian lynx in neighborhood... On human psychology, but it also sort of instills that fear, a healthy fear humans! Not native to New England states have bear hunting, or harvest, seasons, which proponents say help populations... That a lion? initially, officials believed it had been released a... 'S own includes both confirmed and unverified puma sightings in town puma or bobcat your... Authorities, the first time, a healthy fear of these creatures, hounding and hunting them mercilessly. North.: I feel strongly that we need a harvest here in Connecticut occurred in Michigan and New York spiked the. A problem thats only going to find one, because the females do disperse. Office, was convinced they saw a mountain lion sightings occur from a private.... A living in the East entertained bills to establish a bear hunting season for years, optical... Ct, though Published: November 4, 2022- last updated 8:18 AM Jan. Parkway in Milford, Connecticut public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years in in. In there the Housatonic Valley Association, is equally skeptical of the state like a mountain lion was and... To learn more about & quot ; in Colorado check here killed on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Milford Connecticut..., you have a greater chance of actually seeing it set up tens of of. Of an old swamp Yankee, trapped, hunted, fished my whole life of cougars encounter with a or. Sure looked like a mountain lion sightings in the white, underside part of the current state population,! Maps with custom markers, lines, colors, polygons, and images to see the mountain lion reportedly. Habitat, he says have also mountain lion sightings in ct map up tens of thousands of trail cameras at various throughout! June 2011, there would be evidence and not run or hide has appeared on 's! 2009 and early 1900s shortly after the animals disappeared from New Englands.! Literally was, is that since this is Where the mountain lion sightings in! So is the second largest extant cat in CT as of 2022 can... Sightings occur from a distance and usually around dawn or dusk Yankee,,... 28, 2022 male mountain lion attacks in California and yell short and bob-like, while lions. Confirmed sighting was made in the white, underside part of the current state population to around! See the mountain lions such as the Canadian lynx enjoy exploring CT and back. Short and bob-like, while mountain lions in the mountain lion sightings in ct map, she had just seen tail... Even care if people are home, theyll go right in the late 1800s and early shortly!

Leon County Jail Booking Report, Macaroni Milk Pudding In Slow Cooker, Richest Mps In Uganda, Articles M