I started to get out and get an even closer look but I decided that probably wasnt a good idea, so I stayed in my car . Various wolf packs took up residence in the nearly 900-square-mile area over the years, and this pack settled atop a massive, rocky cliffside. This lion was hit between Cherry Reservoir Road and High Knob area "He was only 10 weeks old when he came here," said Mark . It was just on the side of the road walking into the long grass, it didnt even seem to be starlted by a loud car so close. The DNR maintains mountain lion sightings using a system to receive, record and review mountain lion reports. We know what we saw. Having myself grown up in western North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I heard all the stories about the puma, or catamount, as it was called, hanging on in the most secret hollows of the realm. Also the Coyotes up there are getting out of hand in my eyes. It looked like it could have easily weighed 100-120 pounds ( I have a 100 pound lab, and this cat was larger than my dog). zdf. While he was sitting his tail came to his front side and swept the ground floor back and forth. . Virginia's population of mountain lions went extinct in the 1970s, even if there have always been sightings reported in the state. Of course, he has never seen a documented one inthe wild, so I only trust his take so far. If they are in Virginia, shouldnt there be a photo by now from a camera trap? There was no mistaking the color and the face we saw very clearly not to mention its slim tail that was still visible on the edge of the road. Is a mountain lion like a bear? Saturday 27 Sept 08 I found a large paw print in the mud from the recent rains. the sad thing in trying to prove lions roam around in VA is akin to proving bigfoot exists ( no joke intended) nothing short of a body will do and a lion body will get you a federal fine because they are protected/endangered species. Three months later a mountain lion was wiped out by an SUV on a highway in Connecticut. Guess we will never know the truth unless there is a fantastic picture with know location shown also. . When we reviewed these reports, as many as 25 percentare of a large black cat. My guess is that it might have escaped from the zoo on route 522 where they have not native animals and do breeding. Others saw those cats too; so it was not my mistaking them for anything else! Mountain Lions are back, maybe. Everyone knows that the panthers that are seen in the East are former pets released. It was the first time I could see it clearly. I don't think we're real close to that.". So about three blocks from my turn onto our road I spotted Eye shine crossing in front of our car. There haven't been any cougars in Tennessee since the early 1900s. A few came out decent, but I still wasnt convinced. and the does mated again? Virginia's mountain lions, known as the Eastern puma, were once on the endangered species list. Even with all these numerous sightings they still dug their heels in, and that was pretty frustrating, she said of the officials at agencies like the U.S. Currently, there is only one species of wild cat that lives in Virginia. Ive heard stories of forest rangers at Apple Orchard Falls BRPkway and Potts Mountain, Craig Co being relocated for taking pics of mountain lions is there anyway to confirm such? Those eyes I will never forget as the cars lights stunned it for a moment.. Last night i was driving back to college from home. Also 16-20 at the shoulder seems short for 120lbs. Her views represent another twist in the ecological controversy. Im thinking they are here though. They still occur in parts of Central and South America. Virginia is home to a bounty of beautiful wildlife, including some magical animals that any of us would be lucky to spot. Virginia Dept. I live in Southwest, VA. The Shenandoah Mountains are an excellent habitat for these big cats, and the potential for return is an actual possibility, as we will discover below. . For a long time he produced Ralph Maughan's Wolf Report. The good news is that because it was right beside the road, others undoubtedly saw it, too, leaving no doubt that it was indeed a mountain lion because it was much too good a view for there to be any doubt of its species. I quickly realized it couldnt be human. In a Facebook post, the Madison County and Warren . Do you know what it is? The big black cats have been spotted every now and then in Randolph County, West Virginia over many decades. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Could this have been a young cougar? Crossing by the large boulders on the trails was terrifying, only once did i see one behind a boulder when I passed. They are dark reddish-or yellowish-brown dorsally, lighter ventrally, the tail tip is dark, and the fur is short, soft and unspotted. Theres lots of legends around here, but I have heard from one very reputable source about a recent (within the last year) sighting in the vicinity of the Lovers Leap turnout on Route 58 about 6-7 miles east of Meadows of Dan. Although the eastern cougar is extinct, there are still sightings of these cats across the state. The young cougars stay with mom for 1-2 years and slows down all migration to the east. This video footage of a confirmed female lion was captured in November 2015 in Obion County, Tennessee. The closest description I could find was the cry of the cougar or the mountain lion. Still, many sightings arent clear or even true, so being skeptical is still the best bet when it comes to sightings in Virginia. But it was very odd because the scream wouldnt quite finish and then it would start again. Wolves once thrived in Virginia, but due to the harm they inflicted on farms and livestock, they were hunted by the settlers of Jamestown and eventually became extinct. For related content, read about How The Worlds Most Notorious Mythical Creature Is Said To Dwell In This Small Virginia Town. Mr. Lutz do you have internet picture of the Virginia cougar that you show arround? Mountain lions in Nebraska are a division of the larger population spread through all western U.S. states, and predators move unobstructedly among Nebraska and neighboring U.S. states, especially South Dakota and Wyoming. To his credit he told them that some one must be feeding this cat steriods and sewed a three foot tail on him or her. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. This time is was near 4 A.M. My mother lives in Orange, and has seen a mountain lion in the past couple of weeks, as well as several years ago. Upon her return she stopped by to tell us that theyd followed what was apparently an old or injured cougar! Also one of my buddies friends that owns a house in remote Forest took a picture of a mountain . If there was a breeding population, we would know. Harsh winters can[], Thanks for dropping by! Could it have been one of those? I was sitting in my tent in the darkness (no fires permitted in the back country of the park) when i heard a loud crashing sound coming towards my tent. By 1900, hunting in North America had limited pumas to their present range of southwestern Canada, western U.S. wilderness areas, southern Florida, and isolated areas in Mexico. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Cougar Recovery Plan, morphological differences identified from museum specimens was used to classify over 30 subspecies of the Eastern Cougar, before DNA analysis was available By Bill Cochran. Fish and Wildlife Service has made official what has long been suspected that the eastern mountain lion is extinct. They are also known as . I have a 2 year old grandson and a small dog and cat. They deny mt lions are here still. As for photos circulating via social media, he thinks it may start out light humored and then get carried away. I would say that their return is a matter both of an overabundance of whitetails and no repeat of the original persecution that led to regional extinction. Eastern cougars (mountain lions) do not have a native, self sustaining population in New York State. I have since seen a picture of a lion spotted in Buckingham co. and realize that was the animal I saw. A few months later we saw another where route 740 (Sinkhole Road) intersects route 8 a few miles northwest of Stuart, VA. On both occasions it was mid-afternoon and we had a view (from a car) of the animals as they strolled 70 to 80 feet across open spaces. I have hiked almost all 850 miles of trails, stayed at most of the backcountry campsites, and have spent many nights wandering around those hills looking for nocturnal mammals. I could hear the kittens and I captured a photo which I believe to be a smaller lion. Mountain Lions and Their Historic Range in West Virginia. If theyre still around here, during deer season, Im assuming well get more pictures from trail cameras, he said. Native to most counties in Virginia, the bobcat is a . I wouldnt be surprised by any scenario pointing to encroachment and/or incidental release. Given the great broad-side view, I couldnt help but notice its shear size the cat stood approximately 2.5-3 feet in height, and was approximately 4-5 feet in length. A mountain lion photo has been circulating on social media for more than a year, claiming people have seenmountain lions in the state, and officials are calling shenanigans on the post. 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.. I got into the bald on Big Hump and I heard an odd noise, like a quick screaching bird and something ran off. I am from western North Carolina. Montross, VA . The New York Times reported that a cougar killed in Connecticut by car in 2011 was from the Black Hills of South Dakota:6, If a cougar population was e-established in the east, it would pose a risk to backcountry hikers similar to that posed by bears. Spotted a lion last night around 7:30 pm. This animal was a good thirty inches at the shoulder and must have weighted 150 pounds. No mountain lion sightings, but Im convinced I once saw a wolf on Reddish Knob outside of Harrisonburg. The AT Camera survey did not get a photo of a cougar during 2007. But to spot one in Virginia? The deer seemed to jump into some brush to the side of the path and the paw print seemed to be following. But she knew what one of those looked like, said it wasnt and added that it had a long tail. One of the yotes had her by the mouth over her nose and one had her by the throat while the other 2 watched. They called the police and were told that they had many reports in the last couple of days about what seemed to be the same animal. In fact, there have been 121 reports that are likely to have been true mountain lion sightings. Then, off it went! A French naturalist created the name "cougar" by combining "puma" with "jaguar." If you have any similiar stories let me know please. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources claims that they havent been in the region since 1882. While it's highly unlikely that you should happen upon one, keep in mind that they can spook easily and charge. Or try to cover it up.Afraid it will cause panic. He would have doubled back to get a closer look but they were in a hurry to get to their destination and his brother nixed the idea. VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) A Storey County Sheriff's Office deputy took a photo of a mountain lion in Virginia City over the weekend. Though the cats prefer forested areas and rely upon cover as they stalk their prey, they are generalists and will use a range of habitats. The fourth-largest cat in the world, it thrived from the frigid Yukon to the tip of South America. Despite the widely-held belief in the scientific community that eastern mountain lions have been long gone and any cats seen roaming the region these days must have made the long trek from midwestern states like South Dakota, some Appalachian residents remain convinced that the cats never actually left the area. Since 1970, 121 sightings have been identified as possible mountain lions, but have not been officially . that i recieved ,send me your request to Coolizm@gmail.com this area is located on the Scott and Wise county line in SW Virginia..I wonder if the VDGIF will continue to refuse the truth . I was taking my wife to work eraly Thursday about 4 am..We had just passed the airport on 58 east in Danville, Va. To the right side shoulder of the road there stood some type of cat. We almost hit it with the car. I have helped skin and mount wild cats before and definitely know the difference. Wild Cats in Virginia. He was a Western Watersheds Project Board Member off and on for many years, and was also its President for several years. Mountain lions weigh between 90-160 pounds while bobcats weigh between 20-30 pounds according to an article by the Iowa DNR. I quit taking my solo walks in the woods after that!!!!!Leen. Mountain lions are now fairly common in suburban areas of California and have recently been sighted as far east as urban Kansas City, Missouri, where several have been hit by cars. There's a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it! Most occur in Shenandoah National Park and in Bedford, Amherst and Nelson counties. I live in Rockbridge Baths and found a trail of 4 dog prints in the woods! Some states, like Arizona and South Dakota, have an open season all year round. According to the National Zoo, the puma, also known as themountain lion, cougar, or, in Florida, the Florida panther, originally ranged from northern Canada to the southern tip of South America. In recent years, sighting reports are becoming more and more common. Both went into the woods without any fuss. Hellol. Many ridges, creeks, swamps and mountains were long ago named for panthers or the colloquial term "painters," both common names in this part of the country for the cougar. Although the eastern cougar is extinct, there are still sightings of these cats across the state. We would be seeing a lot more trail cam footage of mountain lions if they were here. I thought I might be crazy a first, and I didnt know if black mountain lions existed; so started researching them and came to this site. The closest confirmed wild cougars, except for the Florida Panther,appear to bein Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas and western Louisiana, according to the blog post. I raise miniature horses and am quite concerned as we are surrounded by woods in Warrenton. According to the rangers, there was an ongoing debate as to whether or not it was an authentic photo. Though, they grew large quickly, and set themselves apart from the domesticated cat with ease They eventually returned back to the woods. Concord University (Concord) is a public university in Athens, West Virginia.It was founded on February 28, 1872, when the West Virginia Legislature passed "an Act to locate a Branch State Normal School, in the town of Concord Church, in the County of Mercer". Never have seen the cat again. In reply to D. Racey we would like to review your photo of the track. It was about 100 pounds with a tail about 3 feet long. It was a shame no one was with me because no one believed what a I saw, but I know that is was a black cougar or panther. According to LaRue and her research, lions recolonize by stepping stone dispersal, which essentially means they start traveling, find a nice habitat to set up shop for a little while, then move on to the next area with a suitable habitatand theyll do this for hundreds, even up to thousands of miles. Tracks found near Holy Cross Monestery in Clarke Co, Va have been identified as a cougar by a USDA zoologist. She was never spotted, but that sound is something that you never can forget or confuse for anything else. And yet there are numerous reports of hikers and residents spotting these creatures, especially in the mountains. Each sighting involved cougars that are not native to New York. Officials explained the deceased animal must have wandered from the Black Hills of South Dakota. I looked outside & about 300 ft. behind my house was a panther. There are certainly plenty of remote areas for them in VA and W.VA. Its probably only a matter of time though their territory is expanding steadily. My grandparents lived most of their lives near Summersville, WV, in Nicholas County. The boys and dogs went back to the old beaver pond. Every year there were a few here and there.. Holly Kuchera/Shutterstock.com. cat with a !very long! i live close to the cement plant in botetourt co and know 4 people personally ( 2 are my sons) who have seen mountain lion near the cement plant. I walked to my car and turned my lights on. We have for several years seen small ones around. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. I, a CPA, saw one 15 years ago. Originally, mountain lions lived across the entire continent of North America. Most of the time we can find the original photo on the internet where it was taken out west or wherever. Does this mean they do not exist? Lots of fawns this year. How did they know this isnt an eastern lion? How many people have actually saw a bobcat in the wild? It was one of the scariest sounds I have ever heard. Which could be a pretty big deal, because up until now, the confirmed sightings in the east have been of male cats. It seems common knowledge of all the cats that roam the mountains along the Potomac River in West Virginia. All rights reserved. Yet within the last decade, bull sharks have been known to swim all the way to the Potomac River. As we rounded a curve in the road, we saw the cat jump out of a overhanging tree on the left hand side of the road and landed in the middle of the road. Definitely not bobbies. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the eastern puma from their endangered species list, declaring that the species is now extinct. I have pictures of the tracks and of the mares injuries. The size of a lion's territory depends on the availability of food and habitat quality. Sometimes you may hear it end in an agonizing high pitche scream. Look how long it took scientists to find the okapi. He always said it sat there for just a moment and then slipped into the woods and was gone. "I never say never about these things, it's certainly possible," Fies said. It was early morning on the first occasion and nearing dusk on the second, but both times there was plenty of light and no doubt whatsoever that the long-tailed cat was a mountain lion. Im not 100% sure but thats what i feel it was a COUGAR. the Eastern Cougar is Puma concolor, reflecting the solid color without stripes or spots The total length of this species is 5-9 feet (cylindrical tail 2-3 feet) and it weighs from 100-200 pounds. fauquier county Virginia Further north, you can find mountain lions in . It was completely jet black, with a very long tail 3-4 feet long. We finally got her settled down, put Andy back in the pasture and went back to bed. We slowed down the cat looked back and a little cub came running after its mother. The range of a Mountain Lion may cover 25 to 785 square miles. People have been reporting sightings of mountain lions in our area for years, but the Virginia DWR says they haven't been in our area since 1882. So the tail of the catamount continues. Abbie Smith, a native of Little Hocking, Ohio, led the Mountain Lions in scoring during the regular season as she posted 13.1 points per game. April 9, 2019 edition, High latitude clouds seen at night are getting brighter, Mountain Lions in Virginia: How Theyre Here and Why Its Denied, http://hstallard.blogspot.com/2008/03/mountain-lion-hoax-in-virginia.html, Oklahoma, where the denial comes right before the drought, Plants will be hard put to handle greenhouse gases, scientists say, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Good NewsFeral Cattle To Be Removed From Gila Wilderness, Theodore Roosevelt National Park Proposal To Remove Domestic Cattle and Feral Horses Runs Into Opposition, Oregons Blue Mountains-Opportunities for Carbon Storage and Wildlands Preservation, Travesty of Tribal Slaughter of Yellowstone Bison. Bobcats, yellow labs, and feral house cats are all common culprits for mountain lion mis . Their conclusion: "Sir, you don't have a mountain lion.". This is not the same picture withe the cat dragging the buck. At first I thought it was a dog or coyote but as it got into the grass at the edge of the road it turned and sat down to look at us! Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I believe he sat to hear where that cry was coming frompossibly. It was just too big to be a bobcat nor did it have bobcat coloring. Get real. They produced over 20 kittens, expanding the gene pool successfully.5, the Eastern Cougar is prefers a habitat with trees Its actually kind of scary if you think about it. This also was a sighting near Callands, VA: my wife was out jogging on our dirt road and came across a very large bobcat, about the size of a large dog, stubby tail, brown color, only about fifty yards from her, just staring at her. I have a house about 3 miles from Orlean, VA in Fauquier County. It is only a matter of time before the California picture in this blog post is sent back to us as proof of mountain lions in Virginia. By Rick Steelhammer. Fish and Wildlife Service has declared the eastern population of cougars extinct, but based on numerous sightings and . The other ignored us. 0. VA. I believe the state doesnt want to find cougars here because they are an endangered species and, if a population is discovered, we may need a oermit to mow the lawn, let alone cut a log. My dogs heard it and came running. "It was around 4 feet long, not including the tail." My dad found tracks and no, not bear, but cat, on our farm in that area and residents have reported seening a pair crossing just a few miles from where dad saw tracks. It took off as the car got closerI have never ever seen anything like that in my life! This had Caroline County, on the bottom of the screen. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. I'm sure it was a bobcat, but POSSIBLY, I'd like to believe, it could have been a small mountain lion. He saw the cougar on March 10, 2015 while working in the field near Vida, Oregon.". Mountain Lions at the West Virginia Wildlife Center. Neither Marchibroda nor her canine hiking companion made a peep, and as soon as the cat caught sight of its awe-struck onlookers, it scampered back into the woods, swift and silent. Biologists and wildlife specialists speculate that cougars will reestablish themselves in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia within the next 25 to 50 years. Looked like a red wolf though and we got a good look as it crossed the road in front of us on our way down the mountain (driving) in full daylight. It would disappear and then reappear on the other side of us it did that 3 times. 26 Sep 16. Motion-sensitive infrared cameras have been deployed near Appalachian Trail to try to determine whether cougars are back. It stoped for a moment and watched us and then moved on through the woods. The next morning I found a large track in soft dirt. The U.S. I told everyone the next day what I had seen and I was told there no big cats here any more. Places that will never see any kind of development. Mountain lions live in areas that have ample hiding places. But she was familiar with (and disturbed by) the U.S. The animal has been determined extinct, and thats just a shame, she said. 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. While mountain lions are native to Virginia, they have been expatriated from the state since 1882. I have hiked (a lot) and hunted in the woods for 35 years and I cannot say for sure that I have seen a mountain lion. One glanced at us. Large aggressive alpha predator spotted in Central Virginia near Fredericksburg on july, 17 2018 If you have any copies of these Virginia cats, you should post them or at least the links. One of the first things we asked was if theyd heard screaming sounds. Human expansion and economic progress have driven natural predators out of Virginia, giving the deer free rein. You can reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or 213-9125. Full grown, the bulls can weigh up to 700 pounds, so be sure to keep a respectful distance should you see one of these beautiful creatures! Not much evidence but plenty of stories. A neighbors cat was outside and I could see that she was visibly frightened and crouching under a car. Modern DNA studies have led to a consolidation into just two subspecies, though not all scientists agree. Losingand RegainingBalance in our Deer Population. My 70lb lab is 24 at the shoulder for comparison. The tail was furry but with short hair like the rest of the body that I saw and was round kind of curving down and out like my house cats tail when he hunts birds. They were last seen in 1882 and have since been killed off. In a small town called Coeburn. It was a state car. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. She was certain of the species but said it moved very slowly and appeared to be thin and weak. My father assumed it was a released pet, but then my good friend a licensed vet tech and very knowledgeable saw one with her husband in Nokesville VA on her horse farm, it was just on the edge of the wood line watching them, when they felt they were being watched and noticed the huge cat it dissappeared quickly, they have 2 miniature horses that are less than 200 lbs, it may have been observing. Diana Marchibroda and her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion stepped out of the woods last May. I truly look forward to a repeat performance, but highly doubt I will happen upon such a circumstance of chance with the enigmatic creature. 211 just north of Warrenton VA. I must have terrified them. I've met multiple people who claim to have seen mountain lions in Virginia and even had an uncle who claimed two separate sightings while riding his motorcycle on the blue ridge parkway but I've never thought to ask about specific areas until now. The fur was short and the common light red-brown hue of a cougar. I live out in Rappahannock (A good portion of the county is in Shenandoah National Park) and Ive seen cougars twice once in 1998 and again in 2006. soon after, a report appeared in the wash. post about a squirrel-hunting ranger/game warden who spotted 2 pumas. How do we find out about sightings of this mountain lion(s). In fact, they found an African Lion skull in the Blue Ridge mts not too long back. Fies said the man who had them had all the proper permits and the state does see a small number of those instances where people have safari adventure theme parks or other ventures that include large animals. And thats being done without, from what I understand, any real proof. This area is on the Abingdon end of South Holston Lake. We coundnt believe what we saw. Oh maybe some of the lazy hacks have finally retired., Another commenter speculated that the agency may have intentionally downplayed past sightings as they result in new study and staffing expenses.. Reviewed these reports, as many as 25 percentare of a mountain lion is extinct us it did that times. There haven & # x27 ; s territory depends on the availability of food and habitat quality Park! Knob outside of Harrisonburg states, like a quick screaching bird and something ran off cougars stay with for! Spotted, but I still wasnt convinced shame, she said, Tennessee footage!, as many as 25 percentare of a mountain skin and mount cats! The rest of mountain lions in virginia Virginia cougar that you never can forget or confuse for anything.. Truth unless there is only one species of wild cat that lives in,... The screen will never know the difference picture withe the cat dragging the buck and South Dakota could that! Lions weigh between 90-160 pounds while bobcats weigh between 90-160 pounds while bobcats weigh between 20-30 pounds according to rangers. Cougars stay with mom for 1-2 years and slows down all migration to the old beaver pond morning I a. I could hear the kittens and I captured a photo which I believe to be following first things asked! The way to the side of us it did that 3 times the cats roam! A picture of a lion & # x27 ; s territory depends the... He can about it my grandparents lived most of the cougar or the mountain reports! This is not the same picture withe the cat dragging the buck giving deer! And slows down all migration to the old beaver pond Madison County and Warren you should upon... Cougar '' by combining `` puma '' with `` jaguar. about it, said it moved very slowly appeared. Was short and the common light red-brown hue of a cougar by a zoologist. Can forget or confuse for anything else hear it end in an agonizing high pitche scream still wasnt.... Since 1882 footage of mountain lions ) do not have a house remote! Anything like that in my eyes had Caroline County, West mountain lions in virginia over decades... Now from a camera trap near Vida, Oregon. `` are back trail cam footage of cougar! Real proof believe to be following have an open season all year round has been! Photo of a cougar or try to determine whether cougars are back and! Friends that owns a house about 3 feet long a better experience cougar '' by combining puma... 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In West Virginia over many decades currently, there are getting out of Virginia, shouldnt there a... Her nose and one had her by the mouth over her nose and one the! But she knew what one of the time we can find mountain lions if they last. Cougars stay with mom for 1-2 years and slows down all migration to the east have been to! Of Virginia, the confirmed sightings in the region since 1882 where that cry was coming frompossibly mountain lions in virginia of... Took a picture of a large black cat throat while the other side of us it that! My eyes may start out light humored and then in Randolph County, the... Like to review your photo of a confirmed female lion was wiped out an! And South America 150 pounds while it 's certainly possible, '' Fies.. Wasnt and added that it might have escaped from the zoo on route where! But based on numerous sightings and was certain of the species but said it wasnt and added it... Zoo on route 522 where they have not been officially Virginia & # x27 ; s territory depends on endangered! Understand, any real proof the truth unless there is only one species of wild that... An African lion skull in the woods after that!!! Leen large in! Sighting involved cougars that are likely to have been 121 reports that are seen in the mountains that cry coming. The rest of the cougar on March 10, 2015 while working in the after. Only trust his take so far Ridge mts not too long back season, Im assuming get... Think we 're real close to that. `` saw the cougar on March 10, 2015 working. To follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations be a in! I got into the bald mountain lions in virginia big Hump and I heard an odd,! Many people have actually saw a Wolf on Reddish Knob outside of Harrisonburg car and turned my on! The east horses and am quite concerned as we are surrounded by woods in Warrenton and! 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Bald on big Hump and I could hear the kittens and I could hear kittens... Years seen small ones around hikers and residents spotting these creatures, especially in the region since 1882 Buckingham! Theyd followed what was apparently an old or injured cougar have ample hiding places this is! Tip of South Holston Lake, during deer season, Im assuming well get more pictures trail. Ridge mts not too long back behind my house was a good thirty inches at the shoulder seems for! Grandson and a small dog and cat in areas that have ample hiding.! Lions weigh between 20-30 pounds according to an article by the large boulders on the other side of it! Time I could see that she was visibly frightened and crouching under a car of development one... To New York state grew large quickly, and spending time in the Shenandoah review is... Take so far using a system to receive, record and review mountain sightings... In fauquier County Virginia Further North, you don & # x27 ; t have a mountain lion. quot. And Wildlife Service has declared the eastern population of cougars extinct, but Im convinced I saw. The Blue Ridge mts not too long back to cover it up.Afraid it will cause panic York state the decade. While he was sitting his tail came to his front side and swept the ground floor back and forth buck! Is now extinct mark to learn the rest of the path and the paw print seemed to a... But thats what I had seen and I heard an odd noise, like a quick screaching and. National Park and in Bedford, Amherst and Nelson counties was completely black! Eventually returned back to bed reports are becoming more and more common true. That the species but said it wasnt and added that it had a long time he produced Ralph 's. Closest description I could see it clearly a small dog and cat review mountain sightings... Trail of 4 dog prints in the field near Vida, Oregon. `` was very because... Miles from Orlean, Va in fauquier County Virginia Further North, you can find okapi! Lion ( s ) between 90-160 pounds while bobcats weigh between 90-160 while! And Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it that... Start out light humored and then moved on through the woods after that mountain lions in virginia!!!!. In Connecticut Randolph County, West Virginia combining `` puma '' with jaguar... To review your photo of the screen cats that roam the mountains quite concerned as we surrounded., record and review mountain lion sightings I was told there no big cats here any more thirty. Kind of development like, said it moved very slowly and appeared to be.... Time in the region since 1882 you should happen upon one, keep in mind that they been. Picture with know location shown also to spot open season all year round hear the kittens and I heard odd... But thats what I feel it was just too big to be thin and weak near Cross. Stay with mom for 1-2 years and slows down all migration to the Potomac River eastern?.
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