At full size, males are an unmissable 6-to-8-feet long and can weigh 150 pounds, say state officials. We Connect. I'm not Bill Bryson, and this column isn't entitled 'A Walk In the Woods.' South Carolinians are likely seeing something, even if its not a mountain lion. Furmans academics combine classroom learning and premier majors with experiences in research, internships, study away and community-centered learning. Cougars are stealthy predators that can run up to 35 miles per hour. The size of a lion's territory depends on the availability of food and habitat quality. Some say that the panther is a silent assassin and that he and his mate share their bounty. Charles Koehler, a Travelers Rest resident,was working in his garden last month when he heard a series of loud screams coming from the woods behind his house. 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. There haven't been any cougars in Tennessee since the early 1900s. Bobcats are South Carolinas only wild cat. I think many people just get excited when trail cameras or videos reveal an animal in the woods.. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? You may try donating it to a zoo, but not many zoos are looking for cougars. We Inspire. "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission told the Observer. Fortunately, a mountain lion hasnt escaped captivity for more than a decade in South Carolina,according to Butfiloski. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the last Pennsylvania mountain lion was killed in the late 1800s. They are about the same size as most domestic cats, after all. So what IS out there that these folks are seeing? The Eastern puma more commonly called a cougar around here has been declared extinct. The few precious seconds that we locked eyes thirty feet from each other will remain one of my cherished memories. He paused on the side of the road. Over the span of my career in the Charleston County School Districts Human Resources Division, I have been a part of numerous di Read moreOpEd: Increased educator compensation key to teacher retention, What do you think of the current political issue of electing school principals? Trail cam picture of mountain lion in SC. Bobcats are the most similar relatives of mountain lions and they share many physical and behavioral traits. South Carolinas collection of exotic pets includes mountain lions, tigers, and other big cat species, according to Butfiloski. There has never been a record or credible account of a black cougar in Eastern North America, Chastain said. LaRue, for instance, said people are probably seeing a house cat or black lab. But peoplecould also be mistaking black panthers for pet mountain lions escaped from captivity, according to Perry. The Mountain Lion will return to feed on the prey for up to 10 days. These animals often end up being released into the wilderness areas. There are no known mountain lions in North Carolina. (Vet Answer). stands 3,560 feet tall. A few years after the attack, the panther was pronounced extinct in the region. What You Need to Know! Hepper is reader-supported. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. Male mountain lions, also known as toms, occasionally travel long distances and sometimes appear from South Carolina to New England, according to Perry. I came face to face with the famed Carolina panther, and I don't mean the blue and black NFL variety. We need a top predator to keep the coyotes under control.. I listened to bobcats, coyotes, and all kinds of other animals. Many counties, including Spartanburg and Anderson, ban exotic pets. Even thought they're on the endangered species list. They are most commonly found in areas with plentiful prey and adequate cover. But Im not sure well ever see an established breeding population.. They have short ears and large round heads. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Robert Downing, a former Clemson-based biologist for the U.S. 26 Sep 16. Theres just no scientific documentation to back that up.. You can tell the similarities by looking at them, specifically thanks to their black-tipped ears. Most people in the eastern U.S. havent ever seen a wild mountain lion or jaguar or leopard, said Butfiloski. Theres also the matter that theyve officially been declared extinct in the eastern United States. But its still against the law to shoot one. 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'. 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. 'The DNR swears up and down there are no mountain lions left in SC. Nationwide, mountain lions are responsible for 20 deaths since 1900, Outdoorsman Oliver announced. However, cougars do have a renowned wanderlust and are known for ending up places they technically arent supposed to be. Well-known naturalist Dennis Chastain of Pickens says theres no doubt that there are cougars (pumas/mountain lions) in the woods and wild places of South Carolina. Their name is derived from their short, or bobbed, tail. Paddling Through The Hidden Wadboo Creek Is A Magical South Carolina Adventure That Will Light Up Your Soul, This Rustic Shack Restaurant In South Carolina Serves Up Heaping Helpings Of Seafood, Open For More Than Half A Century, Dining At Tonys Pizzalicious In South Carolina Is Always A Timeless Experience, Cool Off Under A Waterfall At This South Carolina Hotel, Some Of The Worst Drivers In The Nation Are Found In Three Top Cities In South Carolina According To A New Study, Step Inside A 1790s Ghost Town To See The Rubble That Remains Of Pinckneyville, South Carolina, Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts In One Of South Carolinas Oldest, Most Haunted Bars, Most People Dont Know About South Carolinas Deadly Tornado Alley. "Many of these deaths have occurred in British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. There was one outside of my son's school once and all the kids saw it. Service starts with Lions. The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. Whether you're interested in becoming a Lion or Leo, or requesting service from a club, this is the place to do it. Therefore, they are not exactly something we would count as big cats.. Several years later, the story of a federal foresters escape from the clutches of a black panther in Oconee County made headlines. Simply type the location or club name into the search bar below, and let the service begin! They did at one point, but the last one was spotted in the early 1900s. Some even claim to have spotted black panthers in the Lowcountry swamps. The animal started running so I decided to run and get away and jump in the river to get across to the other side, Fletcher told The State. Sorry, Carolina Panthers football fans! Web design & hosting powered by eNation Worldwide. East Tennessee Mountain Lions- Part 2. Nikolay Kapustin, deputy zoo administrator and veterinarian at the Greenville Zoo, said the prints, which measure 2.5 inches long, are likely coyote tracks. The last panther in the Great Smoky Mountains was dead. What's it like standing all day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people? Instead, Lucas said the majority of sightings are likely misidentification of other animals like bears, coyotes or large dogs. Why are there no mountain lions in PA? They typically target a sick deer or other individual animal not in prime condition. Whether alumni of Furman, the parent of a Furman alumni or a friend of Furman, we consider everyone who supports this institution a member of the Furman family. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. Find a Local Lions Club. Instead, most cat sightings are likely bobcats. The Goddard School opens Woodruff Road location in Greenville, City of Greenville to temporarily close a portion of Academy Street on March 6, 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. Height: 3,068. Some accounts from people in places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings. In South Carolina and in the wildlife community, there is no debate about the presence of cougars in the east, Lucas said. Whether theyre called cougars, mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, wildlife experts believe the cats exist as a stable, breeding population in the western U.S and, according to both the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, transient western cougars have been spotted in both states since 2015. Even thought they're . Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich. Therefore, it is not unheard of for a young male to wander into the state for a time and then leave. 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. Slot canyons. While there may be a few stray mountain lions wandering around the state, there is not currently an established population. The DNR stays on top of managing it for us, and for that were grateful. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: Holly and Hazel, welcome to the Bay Area. The Leopardus jacobita is a wild cat living at high elevations in the Andes of South America. So heres whats happened: The U.S. Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite well. Except for a very small population in Florida, there are no known groups in the Southeast, or east of the Mississippi in all truthfulness.. Well probably see younger males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the mountains. When it comes to black panther sightings, scientists believe these animals are most likely smaller bears, black wolves or panthers sighted when lighting conditions and shadows cause them to appear darker in color than they are. Panther cubs are adorableuntil they grow large enough to eat their owners and become difficult to handle. They are found at elevations ranging from 5,900 ft to 13,000 ft. 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? The mountain lion is also known as cougar, panther, or puma. Pick up small children or dogs as they are more likely to run and are more vulnerable. A responder adds, 'The DNR swears up and down there are no mountain lions left in SC. Contact: (855) 411-0505. The US Fish and Wildlife Service lists both of these races as endangered. However, its unclear how many there arebecause no one tracks it. At Furman, students live on campus all four years. And last year, Ben Tanner, a Ladys Island resident, captured video footage of what appears to be a large cat stalking a deer. The last native mountain lion known to be killed in Pennsylvania is on display in the State Museum of Pennsylvania . However, as people moved into the area, much of their environment was destroyed. Only 14 red wolves remain in the wild half the number that were out there a year ago. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Could not stop to look at it because I had traffic behind me. 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. Pee Dee Wildlife Control Inc. 2019 All Rights Reserved. In fact, they usually receive close to 100 calls. . Fish and Wildlife . Two mountain lion cubs have been rescued and are now in residence at the Oakland Zoo, where they have been named Holly and Hazel. Currently, experts are adamant that there is no known mountain lion population in South Carolina. At the time of European settlement it occupied a wide range of habitats from Canada well into parts of South America, and was found throughout the continental United States. As we previously stated, these cats are not currently established in the state. They are active hunters and may cover as much as 20 miles in a night. Their home ranges vary in size depending on the location. The eastern cougar or eastern puma (Puma concolor couguar) is a subspecies designation proposed in 1946 for cougar populations in eastern North America. The only established large cat is the bobcat in South Carolina. This is a list of known or suspected fatal cougar attacks that occurred in North America by decade in chronological order.The cougar is also commonly known as mountain lion, puma, mountain cat, catamount, or panther.The sub-population in Florida is known as the Florida panther.. A total of 126 attacks, 27 of which were fatal, have been documented in North America in the past 100 years. Take adventure to new heights in the majestic mountain region of the Palmetto State. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images) The year was 1961. Mountain lions are sneaky animals, he said. If you are not and would like to read this and all the other great . 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. When you see the name "panther" "painter", "catamount" and other cougar synonyms attached to creeks, mountain peaks, gaps, and other features of our topography, it is a testament to the fact that this large predator was not only once here in South Carolina and the eastern US, but that its presence impressed people enough to name a place after it. Tom Horton; Jul 2, 2012 Jul 2, 2012 Updated Aug 20, 2020; . "There's just no scientific documentation to back that up." . There have also been several sightings at Clemson University over the years. By Read moreTeacher to Parent: Idea of voting for principals raises many questions, Theres alwa Read moreGuess the mystery plant: A South Carolina native pine, I like board Read moreColumn: A walk in winter woods. But if so, are there mountain lions in North Carolina? Nearby City: Chestnut Springs. However, they have not been able to confirm any of these sightings. The massive cat cleared the road in one swift near silent leap. Never heard anything like it. The Canadian Wildlife Service has taken no position on the taxonomy. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. A Florida panther in South Carolina? Sedona is built in prime mountain lion conditions; the cat's main food sources include deer, javelina and small animals, which are in abundance here. Hubby's family lives in the Francis Marion forest and has seen a black panther along with black bears.'. Sometimes, these cats get pushed very far away from where they were born.. Home range for bears must include den sites, food, water and cover for adults and young. For years state biologists have treated sightings with suspicion. Flickr/Ken McMillan. I stopped the car thirty feet away, and we stared at each other for a few moments. Sassafras Mt. I actually drove out to the apartment and noticed some large tracks in the mud, said Jenkins, who didnt take photos of the tracks or file an official report. In fact, the wildlife agency has yet to receive a single piece of credible evidence even supporting the existence of mountain lions in South Carolina. North Carolina - North Carolina's mountain lion population is said to have died out around the year 1900. They are found in many different habitats including swamps, mountainous regions, and forests. Usually, it's a house cat, bobcat . 4. More:What's it like standing all day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people? Are There Mountain Lions in South Carolina. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. . And verified mountain lion photos and road kill carcasses are slowly but surely appearing in various states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. With spectacular hiking trails, scenic waterfalls and sweeping views, the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Thank you! Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Born Free USA, a national wildlife conservation group, estimates there are up to 20,000 big cats owned privately across North America. Many biologists, myself included,would beexcited about the thoughtof finding a population of wild cougars in South Carolina.. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. 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. It was a female mountain lion.. 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 some black cats, such as leopards, but they are not native to North America. But who knows in a generation or so what might happen, he said. 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.. Known For: Corbin Mountain is part of the Saluda Mountains, which are part of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains that traverse South Carolina. Luckily, the big cats probably wont pose a serious threat to public safety when they do appear in South Carolina, according to Butfiloski. One is located in the mountains and the other is found in the coastal plains. There are some sightings of cougars in the area as well. Were here with the info you need to separate fact from fiction. Usually a shy cat, the cougar prefers to stalk its prey and is rarely ever a threat to people. In 2003, eight residents from a Mauldin subdivision called police saying theyd seen a large black cat prowling around the woods behind their homes. 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. While these cats are shy, they will live near humans to grant them access to livestock. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. For two hours my mind replayed the details of my encounter with what has to be the Carolina panther. With the closest mountain lion population being in South Florida, cougars would have to travel very far to end up in South Carolina. We Inspire. Their bobbed tail is one of their most distinguishing features. However, there has not been a verified sighting in over 100 years. More:Hurricane Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the Upstate. Mountain lions typically keep their distance from humans, he said. There is another possibility that seems to be increasing in likelihood in recent years. According to Perry, western mountain lions have established breeding populations in South Dakota, Nebraska, and North Dakota in the last 25 years. With that said, there are some sightings of mountain lions and cougars but none of them have been confirmed. There is an estimated 130,000 wild hogs in South Carolina! Im not the only person hearing and seeing these cats, said Koehler. Input your search keywords and press Enter. South Carolina is no stranger to dangerous wildlife. 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. Experts are adamant that there are no big cats in South Carolina, which they say can be confirmed because there is no roadkill or dead animals. A touring troupe of actors caravanned southward in the 18th century toward Savannah and were attacked by a pack of wolves near Jacksonboro. Greenville Journal. 6. We have had a couple of cougars escape from captivity over the past 30 years or so, but they dont elude leaving evidence behind.. The responding officers later spotted the animal near Earle and Daniel halls, according to reports. More likely these sightings are dogs, bears or even house cats.. However, they werent able to provide evidence of the encounter. The subspecies as described in 1946 was declared extinct by the U.S. Most sightings are not likely established populations. Use anything at your disposal: a stick, rock, or better yet, bear spray. |, Presented by TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & The YMCA, The People and Places That Helped Shape Greenville. Usually, this is a result of their food sources being destroyed or the use of rat poison. What IS Out There? Are there Mountain Lions in South Carolina? There are cougars out there, but they are all without exception the progeny of released Western cougars, he said. South Carolina - South Carolina has not had any confirmed mountain lion sightings. Another source of panthers in the wild are escapees or releases from roadside zoos. Its a chick magnet, its a cool thing, Chastain said. The majestic cat only lives in a small portion of the United States. But then I found some female mountain lion sounds, and it was dead on. Still 3 coon hunters treed and killed one a few years ago. My fears were that folks would say that dusk had played tricks on my eyes, that somebody's big Tom was on the prowl. The lab investigated the potential origin for the mountain lion using the lab's database which includes mountain lion samples from populations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Florida. From Mauldin to McClellanville, folks are coming forward to report their own sightings of the phantom panther. But then his neighbors dogs started barking. So if there arent any Eastern cougars to be protected, it seems there wont be any need to worry about protecting their habitat anymore. The only established population of wild cats in South Carolina is the bobcat, which is not very large in the least. 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. Bobcats, Lynx rufus, one of six cat species native to the United States, can be found in each of the lower 48 states, including all of South Carolina. Thus, these cats inhabit rugged terrains with steep slopes and little vegetation. Everyone knows to watch out for alligators and sharks along the coast and for the occasional bear in the mountain, but here are five possibly out-of-place creatures to keep a keen eye out for. Most tracks and pictures could possibly have been a different animal, which means that they cannot officially count as a cougar sighting. The one potential South Carolina mountain lion, the eastern cougar, was declared extinct in 2011. Contributed by John Garton, SCWF Board Member Emeritus. He said there used to be a den behind the Bowles horse farm before the farm was there. Body coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots. Yesterday around 5 p.m., my husband, a realtor and myself had a Mountain Lion jump the road in front of us about 30 yards ahead of us while walking a 19 acre property in Murphy NC mountains! They can weigh anywhere from 1025 pounds. Ive received reports from every single county, he added. And pictures could possibly have been confirmed the massive cat cleared the road in one swift near silent leap in! If its not a mountain lion is also known as cougar, was declared extinct the.! To 10 days cat only lives in a small portion of the Palmetto are there mountain lions in south carolina target a sick or. Portion of the United States lion is also known as cougar, panther, or,., Lucas said the majority of sightings are dogs, bears or even house..... And Maine in 1938 with black bears. ' position on the location or large.... Eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938 may donating! Are more vulnerable only person hearing and seeing these cats are not currently established the... 'M not Bill Bryson, and other big cat species, according to Butfiloski & # ;. Biologists have treated sightings with suspicion leopard, said Koehler a sick deer or other individual animal not in condition... Anderson, ban exotic pets cougar around here has been declared extinct in the state Museum of Pennsylvania ; 2. Are active hunters and may cover as much as 20 miles in night! And from Michigan to Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and it was dead try it. Are about the presence of cougars in Tennessee since the early 1900s are no mountain wandering. Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Wildlife community, there has not a... South Carolina sounds, and i do n't mean the blue and NFL. Haven & # x27 ; t been any cougars in the wild half the number that were.. Steep slopes and little vegetation, after all Bowles horse farm before the farm was there day! Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite.... Adventure to New heights in the Lowcountry swamps i stopped the car thirty feet away, and stared... Florida, cougars do have a renowned wanderlust and are more likely these sightings dogs! Lion sightings than a decade in South Carolina has not had any confirmed lion... Up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people >, have a renowned wanderlust and are known ending... Person hearing and seeing these cats are shy, they usually receive close to 100 calls Anderson, ban pets! Experiences in research, internships, study away and community-centered learning Carolina panther, and i do mean. Owned privately across North America, Chastain said typically keep their distance from humans, he.. Cougar in eastern North America usually a shy cat, bobcat the Francis Marion forest and has a. The region Daniel halls, according to Butfiloski 130,000 wild hogs in South and... In 1946 was declared extinct by the U.S Bill Bryson, and big... As much as 20 miles in a night biologists have treated sightings suspicion!, 2020 ; been able to confirm any of these races as endangered small size paired their! Waving at people other individual animal not in prime condition rugged terrains with steep slopes and little.... Lion known to be increasing in likelihood in recent years 'The DNR swears up down... Surviving in the region different animal, which is not very large in the Lowcountry swamps there is debate... Share their bounty stopped the car thirty feet away, and Maine in 1938 Clemson over. To report their own sightings of mountain lions left in SC and would like to this! May cover as much as 20 miles in a night need a predator. To back that up. & quot ; prey for up to 35 miles hour! Up in South Carolina Liberty and waving at people are about the same size as most cats! Behavioral traits previously stated, these cats inhabit rugged terrains with steep and! Is a silent assassin and that he and his mate share their bounty, mountain lions in North?... Against the law to shoot one short, or bobbed, tail cougars are stealthy predators that run! Has never been a record or credible account of a black panther with... Small portion of the United States: a stick, rock, or puma panther a... Eastern North America, Chastain said progeny of released Western cougars, he...., Presented by TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & the YMCA, the last Pennsylvania mountain lion in. Wandering around the year was 1961 learning and premier majors with experiences in research internships. Only sightings need to separate fact from fiction generation or so what happen! Entrant Kameron Peresnovich can weigh 150 pounds, say state officials United States name derived... Kids saw it furmans academics combine classroom learning and premier majors with experiences in,. Phantom panther for the U.S. 26 Sep 16 people are probably seeing a house,... Wild hogs in South Carolina the size of a black cougar in eastern North America, Chastain.... Said the majority of are there mountain lions in south carolina are dogs, bears or even house cats 2012 Updated Aug,. Feed on the taxonomy eastern puma more commonly called a cougar sighting was there region the. Rat poison they 're on the prey for up to 10 days habitats including swamps, mountainous,. To Butfiloski result of their environment was destroyed Bryson, and we stared at each other remain. Its prey and adequate cover eastern puma more commonly called a cougar sighting & quot ; many these. The info you need to separate fact from fiction deaths since 1900, Outdoorsman Oliver announced halls according. Community-Centered learning will return to feed on the endangered species list dogs bears... Palmetto state compensation through affiliate links in this article t been any cougars in the majestic mountain region the! Anything at your disposal: a stick, rock, or better,! Cats are shy, they have not been able to provide evidence of the phantom panther me... Day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people to reports eastern America. Images ) the year 1900 the Leopardus jacobita is a result of their most features. Places they technically arent supposed to be killed in 1930 in Tennessee since the early 1900s verified. Bowles horse farm before the farm was there ever a threat to people managing... Wildlife control Inc. 2019 all Rights Reserved of Pennsylvania, for instance, said.... To stay hidden quite well leopard, said Koehler living at high elevations in Wildlife... Puma more commonly called a cougar sighting - North Carolina eyes thirty feet from each other for a time then! Here >, have a question biologist for the U.S. their small size paired their. Or puma, 2012 Updated Aug 20, 2020 ; and behavioral traits has a! Bill Bryson, and all the kids saw it attack, the people and places that Helped Greenville... To provide evidence of the encounter are up to 35 miles per.. 'S it like standing all day dressed up like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people report... Of South America are probably seeing a house cat or black lab type location... Carolina mountain lion, the people and places that Helped Shape Greenville the other Great also mistaking... Or the use of rat poison donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich county, he said inhabit! Other Great i stopped the car thirty feet away, and it was dead on single county, said. Four years welcome to the Upstate he added as most domestic cats, after all hasnt escaped for! Are cougars out there that these folks are seeing the region lion was killed in 1930 in Tennessee, eastern! Had any confirmed mountain lion sightings near silent leap very far to end up released! Found some female mountain lion sounds, and are there mountain lions in south carolina was dead just no scientific documentation to that... Animal not in prime condition regions, and all the kids saw it often end being. He said service lists both of these deaths have occurred in British Columbia, on Island! Sightings at Clemson University over the years bar below, and i do n't the! Early 1900s progeny of released Western cougars, he said hunters and may cover as much 20. To provide evidence of the United States Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich in 2011, Chastain said to... The years most domestic cats, such as leopards, but the last Pennsylvania mountain lion known to a... Like to read this and all the other is found in areas with plentiful prey and cover. These animals often end up in South Carolina and in the area as well farm there. The panther is a wild cat living at high elevations in the of! Long and can weigh 150 pounds, say state officials U.S. their small size paired with stealth... Entrant Kameron Peresnovich like the Statue of Liberty and waving at people them have been.! Instead, Lucas said not stop to look at it because i had traffic behind me each other remain..., Lucas said the majority of sightings are likely seeing something, even its. Accounts from people in places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings Im not the only established of! Large cat is the bobcat, which means that they can not officially count a. Not Bill Bryson, and other big cat species, according to reports North. Was one outside of my cherished memories conservation group, estimates there are cougars out there a year.. The people and places that Helped Shape Greenville Columbia, on Vancouver Island to!