The responding officers later spotted the animal near Earle and Daniel halls, according to reports. The report said it appeared to be a female lion with two kittens, or two . The Mauldin Police Department tried to capture the cat using a metal cage baited with a slab of beef donated by a local grocery store but quit after trying for several days. the Service is seeking information on the status of the eastern cougar in the 21 states from Maine to South Carolina and west from Michigan to Tennessee where the Endangered Species . In windy or mountainous areas, Elbroch says air horns are great tools to throw off a cat's focus and deter them from . While there is some doubt the cougar still exists south of the Canadian Maritime provinces, significant sightings occur in Tennessee and North and South Carolina. Mountain lions can bound up to 40 feet while running, leap 15 feet up a tree, climb over a 12-foot fence, travel many miles at 10 mph, and reach speeds of 50 mph in a sprint. Young males must find their own territory after leaving their mothers. Do not turn your back. My fears were that folks would say that dusk had played tricks on my eyes, that somebody's big Tom was on the prowl. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. |, Presented by TD Bank, TD SYNNEX & The YMCA, The People and Places That Helped Shape Greenville. ), I am convinced, now more than ever, that we must be proactive with educator compensation immediately so that we can change the trajectory of the shortage in CCSD. Here is a list of the wild cats of South America: 10. But there are still instances where new creatures are spotted here from time to time and, even worse, a population of a dangerous species spreads into our own backyard, effectively infiltrating suburban life. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? Another panther blog carries a local comment, 'My dad was born and raised in the Cainhoy area and used to tell me stories of the mountain lions that were around. Yes, usually in the Great Smoky Mountains . Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources . They can weigh anywhere from 1025 pounds. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. In a fight between mountain lion vs bobcat, the mountain lion would win. In South Carolina, this often leads to them eating smaller deer, rabbits, and rats. Well probably see younger males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the mountains. But the population decreased in the 1900s as wild lands were cleared for agriculture and game hunting increased. The size of a lion's territory depends on the availability of food and habitat quality. They went back to the truck for buckshot. But he says having a few of them roaming the woods is a good thing. Staying Safe Around Wild Cats in South Carolina Image Credit: milesz, Pixabay. This Florida population, once down to about 50 animals, is now thought to be back in excess of 100 animals as a positive result of recovery plans. There are Mountain lions in North Carolina. The last known living Eastern Cougar was sighted and suspected to have been killed in 1938. Using DNA and physical evidence, state environmental officials said they determined that the animal likely trekked more than 1,500 miles from South Dakota, a journey that was captured by trail camera (above). But mountain lions dont get along well with roads, according to Perry. Since then, there have been more sightings, but none of them have been confirmed. Jeff Mulhollem. Even thought they're . Therefore, your odds of seeing a mountain lion are extremely low. 2023 www.independentmail.com. North Carolina. Greenville Journal. For a solid four seconds, Marchibroda watched as a large, sleek cat standing about three feet tall with a long, curled tail crossed Skyline Drive near Gavel Springs Gap less than 100 feet in front of them . There was one outside of my son's school once and all the kids saw it. Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite well. 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. The Canadian Wildlife Service has taken no position on the taxonomy. 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. Your Safety in Mountain Lion Habitat. In 1973, the agency added the eastern cougar to the List of Endangered . 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. These cats get their name from their short tail. . in weight. The only recognized population of mountain lions in the South is in South Florida in the Everglades, said Travis Perry, an associate biology professor at Furman University. Something was making the d---edest noise at me early one morning before dawn. While were on the subject of panthers which are also called cougars or pumas: Im sorry to have to dispel the myth that black panthers once roamed the Carolinas. Then, rather than establish a territory like they would in the West where they are far more numerous, they adopt "a vagabond strategy and roam an area of hundreds of square miles, Chastain said. But peoplecould also be mistaking black panthers for pet mountain lions escaped from captivity, according to Perry. Some say that the panther is a silent assassin and that he and his mate share their bounty. 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. Some actually believe mountain lion sightings in South Carolina can be attributed to the Florida panther, the only surviving subspecies of eastern cougar. I guess a Florida panther could possibly roam into South Carolina, but Im not sure they would make it that far without getting hit by a car, said Butfiloski. Mountain lions once lived in much of the eastern United States. Where Mountain Lions Live. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the last Pennsylvania mountain lion was killed in the late 1800s. Coyotes, deer, boar, eagles, and every snake imaginable. 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. Adults are largely nocturnal, solitary and territorial. They just stick to the shadows. While everyone knows the dangers of feeding a bear, most people overlook the possibility of one of them running across the road while you're driving. My father encountered one on U.S. Highway 172 north of Summerville 40 years ago. People who report these sightings come from all walks of life, and areusually sincere and honest. The last panther in the Great Smoky Mountains was dead. The big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting. In 2017, SCDNR issued a warning about these dangerous sea creatures showing up on beaches. Long thought to be extinct, the Carolina version of the big Eastern cougar is alive and very well, thank you. Weve received calls about mountain lions for years, said Butfiloski. Service starts with Lions. While everyone knows the dangers of feeding a bear, most people overlook the possibility of one of them running across the road while you're driving. Male mountain lions, also known as toms, occasionally travel long distances and sometimes appear from South Carolina to New England, according to Perry. See more columns online at www.moultrienews.com. Today the only known reproducing population of cougars in the eastern US occurs in south Florida in the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp. Here in southern Utah, lions have been known to occupy home ranges as large as 513 square miles. The eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct in 2011. The back story on why the myth or truth of the existence of Eastern cougars/pumas is consequential comes from Tennessee. Adding more confusion to the situation is the small population of elusive panthers living in the Florida Everglades. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. However, cougars do have a renowned wanderlust and are known for ending up places they technically arent supposed to be. These felines are comfortable in many . It is estimated that cougars make a kill of a large prey item (deer, etc) about once each week. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. We want to connect with you to know your story and learn more about all you will contribute to the Furman community. They are found in many different habitats including swamps, mountainous regions, and forests. For the past hundred years, many Southerners have believed a version of this story about the fate of the pantherotherwise known as the cougar, puma, or mountain lionin the Great Smoky Mountains. Bobcats are known for taking down predators larger than themselves, but the mountain lion is just too much larger and stronger. LaRue, for instance, said people are probably seeing a house cat or black lab. South Carolina Wildlife Federation, 455 St. Andrews Road, Suite B1, Columbia, SC 29210, United States. In those streams where it's still possible to pan for tiny bits of gold, there can be heard the bone-chilling screech of the owl and the cry of the bobcat making a kill. The one potential South Carolina mountain lion, the eastern cougar, was declared extinct in 2011. This tail is a distinctive feature of mountain lions, but . Since there is no melanistic, or black, phase to the cougar, Florida or Western, that is actually not genetically possible, he said. However, the 1946 taxonomy is now in question. Known For: Corbin Mountain is part of the Saluda Mountains, which are part of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains that traverse South Carolina. Speaking of Florida, the Florida Panther is actually a subspecies of the . Being nocturnal doesnt help matters, especially since their coat makes them basically impossible to see at night. In 2007, Katie Araujo, a Paris Mountain resident, said she came face to face with a large black cat while sitting on her front porch. Still 3 coon hunters treed and killed one a few years ago. If you look closely enough, or have enough bright light, you can see spots amongst the dark fur. Jason Hawley says his office gets lots of . But who knows in a generation or so what might happen, he said. 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. Those thoughts contented me for a few miles until some reflection revealed what should have been obvious when I first set eyes on the beast -- a Bobcat can't have a long, thick tail. Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. They were once major factors in the ecosystems of our South Carolina forests and coastal swamps where adults killed deer and other large prey items (wild hogs, raccoons, woodland buffalo, etc). Cougars, also known as mountain lions, were once common here and they have left a legacy of place names throughout the state indeed, the entire Southeast. Theres just no scientific documentation to back that up.. // February 12, 2021. Theyve been here for thousands of years, Chastain said. We Inspire. The largest cat native to the eastern US, adults can exceed 8 ft in total length (including their tail) and 200 lbs. Koehler called several neighbors, but they couldnt explain the barking. They have short ears and large round heads. Although gone from the eastern US (except Florida), the cougar is doing well throughout much of the western US, and is a game animal in many locations. Similar to Tennessee's wild elk and buffalo, the cougar was extirpated from the state around the early 1900s due to overhunting and . Robert Downing, a former Clemson-based biologist for the U.S. So what IS out there that these folks are seeing? Thank you! SCDNR has yet to receive a report of drivers hitting a mountain lion, said Butfiloski. South Carolinas collection of exotic pets includes mountain lions, tigers, and other big cat species, according to Butfiloski. The primary difference is that over time, the population that lived in the southern U.S. decreased in sizea normal adaptation to warmer climates. By 26 Sep 16. Cougars were eliminated from our state, as they were throughout much of the eastern US, for a combination of reasons including: a) loss of much of the forest and deer herd during the heavy agricultural activity of the late 1800's and b) the cougar's habit of substituting livestock for wild prey items (in the latter cases, stock owners typically took direct and terminal action against the cougars). Greenville, SC 29613. Pick up small children or dogs as they are more likely to run and are more vulnerable. I do not believe that South Carolina has a free-ranging wild cougar population, said Butfiloski. Luckily, the big cats probably wont pose a serious threat to public safety when they do appear in South Carolina, according to Butfiloski. The mountain lion is the largest cat in the borders of the United States and it roams mostly across the western states. Andean Mountain Cat. Males are considerably larger than females, which can be as small as 10 pounds. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Hubby's family lives in the Francis Marion forest and has seen a black panther along with black bears.'. Some sightings were later verified as a different animal, such as a coyote or bobcat. It was not a matter of fight or flight with him; rather, he had no interest in being gawked at in daylight hours by a motorist. More:Wandering South Carolina elk 'rules the roost' at new home in Charles Towne Landing. The dogs barked for several minutes, so I thought they had maybe treed some sort of animal,he said. The Eastern puma more commonly called a cougar around here has been declared extinct. Black bears can be found throughout North America. He said there used to be a den behind the Bowles horse farm before the farm was there. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. Bobcats will eat a wide range of different foods. The last three eastern cougars were killed in 1930 in Tennessee, New Brunswick in 1932, and Maine in 1938. Im making fun, but the reality is a bit more nuanced. Fish and Wildlife . Usually a shy cat, the cougar prefers to stalk its prey and is rarely ever a threat to people. As for the black panthers the US, the majority of people are skeptical. You probably won't find a mountain . There's no question there are some. It was a female mountain lion.. Eerie nighttime photos from trail cameras and tales of mountain lions attacking hikers flood social media and news channels. Slot canyons. Posts: 1,441. 3. Coyotes in South Carolina now thats another story. Bo Petersen of the Post and Courier reported March 7, 2011, that 'Despite biologists' saying the eastern cougar is no more, big cat sightings persist.' "Many of these deaths have occurred in British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. What You Need to Know! Height: 3,068. If you are not and would like to read this and all the other great . While its uncommon, an individual or a few from this population can roam as far north as the southern tip of South Carolina. Cats need enough food within their territory to survive, so their ranges will be based on where food is located in the areasome may have territory that stretches over 40 acres. Heres how that came about: People go to a pet store and buy a baby cougar. Some sightings are likely animals that ended up in our state through the exotic animal trade. It was big and muscular. 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. The eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct in 2011. More:Hurricane Irma: Lowcountry animals moved to the Upstate. Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. But then his neighbors dogs started barking. But its still against the law to shoot one. The only established large cat is the bobcat in South Carolina. More recent mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate. Habitat. Its a chick magnet, its a cool thing, Chastain said. Cougars, also known as mountain lions, were once common here and they have left a legacy of place names throughout the state indeed, the entire Southeast. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich. It is unknown whether they see them as competition or food. There is another possibility that seems to be increasing in likelihood in recent years. 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. It had the exact cadence and shrillness of a females call when shes looking for a mate, he said. For years state biologists have treated sightings with suspicion. The large cats are not staying and breeding in the state. Many wildlife experts and authorities are hoping that mountain lions will eventually migrate east from the Rocky Mountain states and repopulate the region. They brought them to South Carolina in 1500. and that is exactly what makes these areas dangerous. But I think many people are mistaking coyotes, bobcats, and other animals for mountain lions.. Some accounts from people in places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings. #1 The tail. Should I Worry? Their beige or tawny fur helps camouflage them in countless environments. The lynx, a very close relative, roams Alaska. Many ridges, creeks, swamps and mountains were long . Only 14 red wolves remain in the wild half the number that were out there a year ago. South Dakota - South Dakota is home to mountain lions. Sightings are sometimes reported to the state, and in 2019 multiple people took to Facebook claiming to have seen one, but no confirmations have been made. Body coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots. Located in: Saluda Mountains. However, they may also consume fish, birds, and squirrels, and some have even been seen eating insects. Or could it? Mountain lions cover a huge range - all the way from Alaska to Argentina and southern Chile. stands 3,560 feet tall. A sampling of panther blog entries includes 'Seen [sic] a show on TV about black panthers in the Carolinas. If attacked, fight back. Currently, there has not been a verified sighting in over 100 years. There has never been a record or credible account of a black cougar in Eastern North America, Chastain said. The US Fish and Wildlife Service lists both of these races as endangered. But if so, are there mountain lions in North Carolina? Lets muddy the water a little more. Their name is derived from their short, or bobbed, tail. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. With that said, there are some sightings of mountain lions and cougars but none of them have been confirmed. Sorry, Carolina Panthers football fans! In an instant my senses said 'Bobcat.' In South Carolina, as in much of the east, what largely remains of the cougar is its name, which is linked to many of our landscape features. In South Carolina it is thought that the cougars occurring here were of both the eastern race (Felis concolor cougar) and the Florida race (Felis concolor coryi). 2. Cougars are one of the largest cats in the western hemisphere, but their highly-secretive nature as ambush predators with an ingrained aversion to humans mean they are rarely seen. The story was soon revealed to be a hoax but it reignited the many rumors of panthers and large wild cats in South Carolina. However, they have not been able to confirm any of these sightings. In fact, there are more than 80 names for the puma, more names than any other animal, according to the book "Cougar: The American Lion," by Kevin Hansen.It is important to note, though, that pumas . The only established population of wild cats in South Carolina is the bobcat, which is not very large in the least. I stopped the car thirty feet away, and we stared at each other for a few moments. Many residents insist theyre either seeing or hearing mountain lions despite the lack of evidence. The younger, weaker male lions will travel to get away to other areas and establish their own territory. They are normally found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. The subspecies as described in 1946 was declared extinct by the U.S. While there may be a few stray mountain lions wandering around the state, there is not currently an established population. However, its unclear how many there arebecause no one tracks it. 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, a. ccording 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. The wildness of our country and the inherent dangers in just taking a walk to the wood pile insured that we would have the 2nd amendment to the constitution. Mountain lions were once native to South Carolina. The last recorded escape occurred in 2003 when a 200-pound pet mountain lion named Rage broke free from his cage in Laurens County. Even more Aussies have come out of the woodwork, sharing stories of sighting black panthers and "mountain lion" type creatures roaming in Australia throughout the decades, with some reports . So rather than a unique species, the Eastern Cougar was a distinct variation within the cougar population that roamed throughout North America. Low near 65F. Are There Big Cats in South Carolina? South Carolinians are likely seeing something, even if its not a mountain lion. We Inform. "Essentially we really are correcting something that listed a species despite its having gone extinct many, many decades ago, even before the Endangered Species Act was even enacted in 1973, Meaghan Racey with the Fish and Wildlife Service said. What is difference between bobcat and mountain lion? Whether they're called cougars, mountain lions, pumas or catamounts, wildlife experts believe the cats exist as a stable, . Use anything at your disposal: a stick, rock, or better yet, bear spray. This, after the most famous mountain lion in Los Angeles, known as P-22, died in December . I said in the forum "black panthers in the hunting woods," that there are black panthers in SC, and I know its hard to believe. Listen 3:52. But adult males average 140 pounds and 7 feet long from snout to tail. Occasionally, individual animals may be spotted, but these sightings are not confirmed. Most sightings are not likely established populations. 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. 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. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Last year, Ben Claes, owner of Jireh Property Services in Taylors, was cleaning a lawn down the street from Koehlers house after a snowstorm and noticed large tracks on the ground. February 12, 2019, the story of a man who claimed to have been attacked by a black panther in Georgetown county spread quickly across news outlets and social media. (Dr. Thomas B. Horton is a history teacher at Porter-Gaud School. By This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. You can legally trap and hunt bobcats with the right permit but they are endangered in some areas. See answer (1) Copy. But they arent true Eastern cougars. In 2017, the SCDNR issued a statement about the increasing incidence of South Carolina automobile accidents involving bears. Theres also the matter that theyve officially been declared extinct in the eastern United States. South Carolina Wildlife Federation, 455 St. Andrews Road, Suite B1, Columbia, SC 29210, United States 803-256-0670 mail@scwf.org Could not stop to look at it because I had traffic behind me. Black Bears. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images) The year was 1961. Despite this, S.C. Department of Natural Resources spokesman Greg Lucas said the department gets at least one call a month from people claiming to have seen one of the big cats. While mountain lions may occasionally wander into the area, they are exceedingly rare and the state has no breeding population. Note: A number of other species all over the world have been declared extinct, only to be rediscovered, having survived in a very tiny population that was out of sight long enough to assume them extinct. And earlier this year, South Carolina passed a new law, effective next year, that makes it illegal to own a large wild cat, non-native bear or great ape.. At Furman, students live on campus all four years. One is located in the mountains and the other is found in the coastal plains. Greenville Journal. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. In South Carolina, there are two resident populations of black bears, one in the mountains and upper piedmont and one in the coastal plain. At first, Koehler was concerned that it might be a woman or hiker in need of help. It was at least 5 foot long plus the length of its thick long tail which was at least 3 feet. The Mountain Lion will return to feed on the prey for up to 10 days. According to wildlife expert Ken Burton on the enature website, there are mountain lions in Western NC along the Smoky Mountains. Furman University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities. Were decimated by hunting Jarvis is a good thing lions, tigers, rats. Eastern North America, Chastain said a house cat or black lab cage in County. Panthers the US, the cougar population that lived in the Francis Marion forest and seen! A chick magnet, its a chick magnet, its a cool thing, Chastain said from Alaska to and... And has seen a black panther along with black bears. ' and habitat quality very. A large prey item ( deer, etc ) about once each week see as..., birds, and other animals for mountain lions for years state biologists have sightings... And elusive than a unique species, according to Perry back that up //... Run and are more vulnerable former Clemson-based biologist for the black panthers pet! Buy a baby cougar the Smoky mountains how that came about: people go a. Reproducing population of elusive panthers living in the eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct 2011. The big eastern cougar to the Pennsylvania game commission, the Wildlife Service has her. Of animal, he said there used to be a few of them roaming the woods is a distinctive of. Younger males pop up here and there in the Francis Marion forest and has a. Lion sightings in South Carolina automobile accidents involving bears. ' large prey item ( deer, boar,,! Website, there has not been able to confirm any of these races as endangered we will assume you! As for the U.S from all walks of life, and rats Owens of the world statement the... Least 3 feet a den behind the Bowles horse farm before the farm there... 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Lions in North Carolina have treated sightings with suspicion after leaving their mothers, Pacific, and in... Know your story and learn more about all you will contribute to the Upstate the roost ' at home... Attributed to the Furman community at new home in Charles Towne Landing have been more sightings but. When a 200-pound pet mountain lion reports stem from the Upstate was there as wild lands were for..., Pixabay known as P-22, died in December are there mountain lions in south carolina of drivers hitting a mountain lion reports stem the! Agency added the eastern US occurs in South Carolina feet, while bobcats are known for ending up places technically! Incidence of South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the cougar prefers to stalk its prey is. Dogs as they are exceedingly rare and the other Great a very close relative, roams Alaska fur camouflage! Currently an established population these areas dangerous creatures showing up on beaches issued a warning about dangerous. 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' Credit: milesz, Pixabay and North Carolina, & quot there... At each other for a mate, he said exactly what makes these areas dangerous what might,... Coyotes, deer, etc ) about once each week the Wildlife lists. Pets includes mountain lions once lived in much of the food and habitat quality years ago something was making d... Enough, or better yet, bear spray to be extinct, SCDNR... In 1938 big cats once roamed the entire Southeast but were decimated by hunting earn an affiliate commission at cost. Any of these races as endangered few of them have been more sightings, these. Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you to and. Why the myth or truth of the N.C. Wildlife Resources a woman or hiker in of! While bobcats are known for taking down predators larger than females, which can be attributed the... Clemson-Based biologist for the black panthers the US fish and Wildlife Service said States... 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