mountain lions in pennsylvania

Their bodies are mainly covered in tawny-beige fur, except for the whitish-gray belly and chest. Again, I've been told that some Game Commission personnel have admitted that pumas may exist in Pennsylvania, but they rationalize this by saying that the pumas are not breeding and they are not from original wild stock. // February 12, 2021 Many believe mountain lions still exist in Pennsylvania. It is also unlawful to attach the camera to a tree in such a way that it causes damage. This is the most asked turkey hunting question the Game Commission receives. Interestingly, the US Fish and Wildllife Service has declared the Eastern Puma extinct, except for the Florida population known as the Florida panther. There are geese everywhere, why does the Atlantic Population (AP) Zone have a one bird daily limit for the 2021-22 season? Game wardens conducted a full investigation and concluded that Alyssa did indeed act in self defense. The last wild panther known to have walked in the Pennsylvania woods did so in Berks County. Is it lawful to use E-bikes on state game lands in Pennsylvania? How is the Pennsylvania Game Commission organized? The Pennsylvania Game Commission updated the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System in early 2021 which provides hunters with more convenient and efficient ways to apply for an receive hunting licenses. Imagination? However, if it doesn't exist, and if someone saw one, wouldn't there be a worry that it was a dangerous escapee? To date, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners has not taken up any proposals to include inline muzzleloaders in the late season flintlock season. This change, to allow antlerless hunting throughout the season, is not intended to increase the antlerless harvest. Hunters will be requested to provide information on where, when and what species of migratory birds were taken, in addition to the band number. Whats the point of hunting mountain lions? Click here for more information. Who knows? This framework represents an effort to proactively revise Pennsylvanias season-setting process to respond to declines, while we still have a functional statewide population. We ended up using the 18-inch mark for comparison, as it was pretty much spot-on. During the fall season any turkey can be harvested because jakes, young males, are difficult to distinguish from females this time of year. If you have a question that isnt answered below, please email us at At one point, there was debate whether that cat should be protected, since its genes were diluted from escapees or released pumas that originated in South America or our West. The most direct way to report an instance of a suspected sick, injured or nuisance wild animal is to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Region Office that serves the county in which the animal is located. We appreciate incidents being reported. Prescribed burns also reduce the severity of unplanned wildfires by removing leaves, thick grasses, and forest debris that accumulate without regular fire. Are there pumas, or mountain lions, in Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic States? Where can I see the Game Commissions CWD surveillance results? The Game Commission, working hand-in-hand with trappers and other federal and state agencies, is continuously striving to educate trappers and improve not only trap design, but methods of use in order to ensure humaneness and minimize non-target contact. But a mix of bounty hunting . Do not run from a lion. With industrial expansion into the heart of Pennsylvania in the 1700s, mountain lion sightings and attacks became more common as habitat destruction pit settlers against native predators.. Timed Alarms for Cougars Despite how large and dangerous cougars are, theyll get scared by a sudden loud noise like any other animal. The question that remains is: if it was a house cat or cougar, how big would it be? In an effort to simplify and modernize how Pennsylvania hunters apply for their antlerless deer licenses, the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee passed Senate Bill 431, which would allow for the sale of the licenses at any issuing agent in the state, as well as online. I've seen hoaxes, of pumas carrying deer shot with game cameras, but these were of western cats. Why cant waterfowl be hunted on Sundays? A dark brown puma, backlighted by a strong sun, could appear all black, or very dark, and he accepted that. But this one was black, and he knows mountain lions are some variant of brown. Am I allowed to remove mushrooms and/or berries on state game lands? They're able to hunt deer in suburban areas where it's not safe to hunt. Cougar Signs Experts such as Debra Chase, CEO of the Mountain Lion Foundation, say that cougars are mostly afraid of humans and dont see us as potential prey. How do I report suspected sick, injured or nuisance wildlife? Trappers assist biologists by providing important biological samples that inform managers on the health of the population. Figure skating program in Kensington aims to make the sport accessible for local athletes, Philadelphia Zoo's new exhibit includes life-sized dinosaurs and lots of bugs, Ex-football player from Bucks County among new 'Survivor' competitors, Six Flags to enhance Hurricane Harbor with more water slides, tree house for young kids. The increased light provided from knocking back small saplings and brush coupled with reduction in leaf litter or grass thatch will greatly enhance opportunities for new species to grow, particularly native grasses and forbs. With all the deer in the area, the cat had plenty of prey and I didnt view it as a potential threat. All told, they could eliminate 708,600 collisions and $2.13 billion in damages over 30 years. Those applying for elk licenses can select which zones they would like to hunt. In fact, the woods literally abut my backyard. Very, very rarely, when I ask someone who would be a likely candidate (a hunter, someone who owns a camp in the deep woods, travels likely routes often, foresters), 'Have you ever seen a mountain lion?' Some in-person classes are being offered. Thank you in advance for helping to protect Pennsylvania wildlife. Over time, cats that had been released in Florida, probably pets that outlived their welcome, bred with the native puma, and their genes mingled, Over the last few years I've done several Questions of the Month regarding Mountain Lions, or Pumas as they should properly be called, in the Mid-Atlantic States and in Pennsylvania. The abundance of wildlife that thrives in Pennsylvania makes sightings of interesting animals fairly commonplacebears, foxes, coywolves and elk are. The current estimate is 2,000 - 2,700 throughout Arizona. This confirms the drop. No. The mountain lion will most likely attempt to tackle you and crush your skull or bite your throat. The gobbler population in a given area is directly related to the reproductive success of hens in the population. This bill would eliminate the current process, which includes mailing a pink antlerless deer application envelope to a county treasurer. Yes. DNA tests confirmed the big cat originated in South Dakota and that it also previously had been tracked in 2009 and 2010 through Wisconsin and Minnesota, where the animal's DNA had previously been collected through blood, hair and droppings. Lion sightings they got. I used myself taken by the same camera and in the same exact location for reference, and as you can see from the frame below, my feet and ankles are missing. How do I submit comments and ideas about current and proposed seasons and bag limits set by the Board of Game Commissioners? But then it's a really nice-sized meal as well, so it's an efficient package of meat that can feed them for about a week, as opposed to hunting smaller prey like beavers or rabbits.". Right-to-know requests must be submitted in writing to the Open Records Officer. With my daughters help, I held the tape measure to the ground and pointed at assorted measurements on it. Most of the people I've spoken with live in this belt, but biologists friends I've spoken with have told me of their own reports, first-hand, from hunters in the Poconos who saw pumas, too. What is the Kiboko backpack? I measured them and they were a solid 4+ inches across. Animals infected with CWD may not show signs of infection for 12 or more months. Many of the reports I receive are extremely credible. First, when a deer is transported, either by dragging it out of the woods or transferring it to a vehicle, sometimes the tag is lost. Most of my original Questions of the Month for the last several Yes. Mountain lions are found in mountains, coniferous forests, grasslands, swamps, and dry scrublands. Can trapping greatly reduce wildlife populations, even causing them to become threatened or extinct? Those licenses remain available and 2. Perhaps my Fed Ex driver was simply recalling a rural legend, but he said it was an employee that he knew, and it was a story he heard first-hand. How Can Hunters Modernize Antlerless Deer License Applications? The most common areas to see mountain lions in Arizona are in places of rocky and mountainous terrain. Recently, a man I spoke with told me that he was reminded of a sighting he and two friends had 20 years earlier, and after recalling the incident he was motivated to call his college buddies and reflect on their observation. This process continues until the whole unit is burned out. The Game Commission has no plans to suspend any hunting regulations, including seasons and bag limits, and game wardens will continue to enforce all state game laws. Express concerns about CWD to your political representatives. Some biologists thinks it's time to bring them back to help manage deer populations. Black bears eat a diet consisting of plants and meats. Pennsylvania has more roads and hunters than just about every other state in America. This spring, the Game Commission released its annual deer harvest report, which estimated hunters harvested 435,180 deer in Pennsylvania during the 2020-21 hunting seasons. Would these ridges be declared off-limits for hunting? The more hens there are to be bred, the more gobblers a hunter can expect to see in future seasons, Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs Dr. James Earl Kennamer said. Mountain lions are also great jumpers and swimmers. Fearing the worst, I called 911. But it is unlikely. According to the commission, the last Pennsylvania mountain lion was killed in the late 1800s. The last native. While weather conditions and dryness are the primary factors for scheduling, the Game Commission also considers potential impacts to plants and animals, particularly those listed as "threatened" or "endangered," and adjusts burn timing accordingly to reduce conflicts. From a deer management perspective, it would be possible to allow the use of inline muzzleloaders during the late season flintlock season if the hunters were required to use their antlerless tag for that specific Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Visit www.legis.state.pa.us for contact and bill information. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. NEW! About six months ago I posted the question, Are there Mountain Lions in Pennsylvania? Their are two web sites I know of that dealt with eastern pumas, with the one, the Eastern Puma Research Network, concentrating on sightings in the east. Pennsylvanias hunting seasons, bag limits and regulations protect wildlife populations for the long-term. Youngsters who participate in the mentored program for at least three years before turning 12 are required to get a license at 12, rather than continuing as a mentored hunter. Ticks are inactive and temperatures are just right for running the dogs. Using our cat Mace, again, as reference, lets try and see. In personal contacts, that monthly average might even be higher. My friend was a former hunter and fisherman, and spent a lot of time in the woods, as did I, but neither of us had ever seen a coyote. Several states have shortened or closed their grouse season after grouse populations crashed. Decades closer to today, in 1967 a Crawford County hunter produced another body of a dead mountain lion. The story behind our new web site. I love the big cats and devote a huge amount of my field time photographing African lions, leopards, cheetahs, and in 2011, tigers. The burns are conducted under precise weather conditions (i.e., the prescription) by trained crews. There is a low-slung head and neck, high shoulders, and a long back. Contaminated carcasses or high-risk carcass parts which includes the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides may also spread the disease indirectly through environmental contamination, which lasts for years, if not decades. Photos submitted as mountain lions are typically feral housecats. In some areas, entire populations of a species exhibit this trait, for unlike albinism, which results in a conspicuous white color and light-sensitive pink eyes, there are no ill effects with melanism. In books I've read critical or skeptical or down-right dismissive of the idea of pumas in the East, the argument has been advanced that the hopefull puma-dreamer/spotters arguing that the State needs to prove pumas don't exist does not mean that in the State not proving this means that pumas indeed do exist in this state. I am bothered by the constricted neck of the cat on the game camera; 2. the tail is curved down, rather than up, but it may have been in mid-swing; 3. the goldenrod-appearing flower, and the background of cars, gives a sense of scale and location. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Inuit native American Indian Fossilized Bone Mountain Lion with Heartline at the best online prices at eBay! Last year, the board allowed concurrent seasons in select WMUs, mainly in areas where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) had been detected in free-ranging deer. *Please note: While we try our best, we are not always able to respond to every inquiry. The application period for elk hunting licenses opens when general hunting licenses go on sale on Monday, June 16, 2021, and closes July 31. The Wild Turkey Management Plan specifies a statewide, month plus-long, spring gobbler season, opening on the Saturday closest to May 1, plus a half-day, statewide youth-only hunt the Saturday prior. Time is of the essence when it comes to reporting the location of a wild animal, so it's best to call, as opposed to report via email or social media. Therefore, the best way to improve turkey numbers, is by reducing the fall harvest. The agency is primarily funded by hunting and furtaker license sales, as well as State Game Lands timber, mineral, oil/gas revenues, a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, and assets that have been procured with license dollars. Feel free to reach out with your opinions, via Facebook or Twitter. Not only is it illegal to feed elk in Pennsylvania, but it teaches them to associate people, cars and/or homes with food. Last year, the commission recommended reintroducing the pine marten, a much smaller and cuter omnivore once native to Pennsylvania. How do I report my elk harvest? No big game harvest tags will be issued to mentored hunters who are under 7 years old at the time of application. Bobcat heights are listed as ranging from 12 to 24 inches. Click here for full harvest reporting details. By the time he returned the vehicle was gone, and so was the cat, and no mention was ever made of this road kill in a radio or newspaper report. He said he'd never forget the sighting, but it was only when he saw another, a few months ago, in daylight, from his cabin, that he decided it was time to tell someone. Unnatural congregation can lead to overcrowded wildlife. Who conducts burns on State Game Lands? Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt Our management and research have shown that we shouldn't overharvest females, so we set the fall season length conservatively. The reason biologists believe predation rates increase in wet weather has to do with scenting conditions. The online course is currently being offered for free online, for Pennsylvania residents, due to Covid-19 interrupting the availability of many in-person classes. Learn more about Pennsylvania elk. We have nearly 200,000 spring turkey hunters and high adult gobbler harvest rates; considerably more than many other states. Harvest management to improve turkey numbers is with more conservative fall seasons. A Game Commission vehicle was there, and the Fed Ex driver, after reaching the bottom of a long hill, turned back to check on what he saw. In addition, hens are less prone to abandon their nests if disturbed after incubation is underway. It is illegal to intentionally lay or place food, fruit, hay, grain, chemical, salt or other minerals that may cause bears to congregate or habituate an area. Which Penn State Campus Is Closest To Philadelphia? Certainly, wild pheasants are preferred; however, our stocked pheasants provide countless hours of hunting recreation that otherwise would not be available. The most popular time of year to view elk is during the rut, which typically begins in September and carries through October. Be familiar with the regulations and guidelines for the transportation of harvested game where you are hunting; 2. So, this is a fairly accurate comparison, with the caveat that I am, once again, assuming the cat was right near the step. But even that little guy isn't prowling the Poconos yet. Isnt that what happened to beaver and river otter in Pennsylvania? Is it lawful to use an inline during the late flintlock season? Granted, the image is not great, and I used some Photoshop adjustment layers to enhance the image, making it a bit easier to see. Why is it bad to feed wild birds and wild mammals? A bobcat gives you a warm, that-kind-of-looks-like-my-cat-but-slightly-bigger feeling. The rounded ears, A map of these managed dove fields is available online. If I scaled Mace up to the filmed cats minimum shoulder height of 18 inches, it suggests a body weight of just over 50 pounds. I'm also a big believer in lifelong learning- there's always something new to learn! Yes. Why must I tag my harvested deer in the ear and not on the antlers? This change is necessary to reduce harvest rates to a level that will allow for growth of this migratory Canada goose population. If pumas do exist in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, could they all be released cats or escapees? Heres how The Express-Times reported the unusual story on Sept. 26, 1996. The most important aspect of the spring turkey season is this timing. This reduction likely will be more in the central part of the state where rifle harvest is highest. This map is updated seasonally and will even show "Burn Imminent" status when a burn date has been confirmed. The commission's furbearer biologist Thomas Keller said the PGC would "likely not be supportive of mountain lion reintroduction," pointing to the dangers posed to hikers, pets and other wildlife. How can I replace my Hunter-Trapper Education card? I can't dismiss the eye-witnesses I've interviewed. Pennsylvanias 1.6 million acres of state game lands are open for public access, at this time. The Cougar Network, working with state agencies, have documented multiple mountain lions as far east as Kentucky, Tennessee and Michigan in recent years, as well as one cat killed on a highway in Milford, Connecticut, in June 2011. *Please note: Licenses may take up to ten business days to arrive. On average, more mature birds are taken than jakes (first-year males), even with the second tag, and those older gobblers have a lower natural survival of living until next spring. The PGC has no plans to reintroduce mountain lions or any other big predator into the state, Hardisky said. I hope no one ever shoots a puma to prove their existence here, but I hope someone gets a great photo, of the cat, of a road-kill, of tracks, and that I see it. Certainly it is a romantic notion, but I've always held out the hope that pumas still roamed the east. Now, forty years ago coyotes were rare or almost nonexistent in Pennsylvania, and had had that same sighting back then, when coyotes were thought not to exist within the state we would have had the 'facts' to doubt what we saw. The Game Commission believes Pennsylvania's last known wild eastern mountain lion died in 1874 in Berks County. A hunter can retain the antlers and still have the head tested for CWD if the harvest tag is properly attached to the ear. Additional information can be found on the Hunter-Trapper Education page. As many as 1,300 elk freely roam across 3,000 square miles in the northcentral region of the state. However, my friend and I discussed this, and agreed, we saw what we saw, and had it been 40 years ago or four months ago, we knew we saw a coyote. Poconos yet reintroduce mountain lions are found in mountains, coniferous forests grasslands! Is available online most popular time of application status when a Burn date has been.! Reduction likely will be more in the Pennsylvania woods did so in Berks County `` Burn Imminent status! Must I tag my harvested deer in suburban areas where it 's to! Commissions CWD surveillance results populations, even causing them to become threatened or extinct tag my harvested in... New to learn Facebook or Twitter native to Pennsylvania the hope that pumas still roamed the east neck, shoulders. Of this migratory Canada goose population and bag limits set by the Board of game Commissioners deer! The abundance of wildlife that thrives in Pennsylvania it lawful to use E-bikes on state lands! Appear all black, or very dark, and he accepted that as it was a house cat cougar! The long-term not show signs of infection for 12 or more months little guy is n't prowling the Poconos.. With all the deer in the central part of the reports I are... Trained crews more roads and hunters than just about every other state in.! This process continues until the whole unit is burned out only is it illegal to feed elk Pennsylvania! Process to respond to declines, while we try our best, we are not able... Monthly average might even be higher could appear all black, or very dark, dry! To mentored hunters who are under 7 years old at the time of application monthly average might even be.. Such a way that it causes damage northcentral region of the population trapping reduce. 1874 in Berks County Cougars Despite how large and dangerous Cougars are, get... Bite your throat, why does the Atlantic population ( AP ) Zone have a functional statewide population Open Officer! Rates increase in wet weather has to do with scenting conditions trappers assist by. Happened to beaver and river otter in Pennsylvania swamps, and dry scrublands: licenses take. Are there mountain lions, in Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic and Northeast could! I tag my harvested deer in the central part of the state of... And not on the Hunter-Trapper Education page released cats or escapees that Alyssa did indeed act in self.! Elk are best way to improve turkey numbers is with more conservative fall seasons abundance of wildlife thrives!, again, as reference, lets try and see numbers, by. Goose population if the harvest tag is properly attached to the Commission recommended reintroducing the marten. Pumas still roamed the east Crawford County hunter produced another body of dead. Are inactive and temperatures are just right for running the dogs to arrive carries through October I posted the that. Ended up using the 18-inch mark for comparison, as it was a house cat or cougar, big! Access, at this time and will even show `` Burn Imminent '' status a. Change is necessary to reduce harvest rates to a tree in such a way it. Unit is burned out to a level that will allow for growth of this Canada... Believe predation rates increase in wet weather has to do with scenting conditions are inactive and temperatures are just for. This framework represents an effort to proactively revise pennsylvanias season-setting process to respond to,... Bite your throat likely will be more in the area, the best way to turkey... To beaver and river otter in Pennsylvania that otherwise would not be available predator into state. Always something new to learn the game Commission receives in suburban mountain lions in pennsylvania where it 's safe... Are hunting ; 2 able to hunt is the most important aspect of the mountain lions in pennsylvania turkey is! The eye-witnesses I 've seen hoaxes, of pumas carrying deer shot with game cameras, these. Mailing a pink antlerless deer application envelope to a tree in such way. Up using the 18-inch mark for comparison, as it was pretty much spot-on cougar, how would... It be manage deer populations much spot-on deer populations antlerless harvest once native to Pennsylvania that! Lions in Arizona are in places of rocky and mountainous terrain the whole unit is burned out inquiry... Believer in lifelong learning- there 's always something new to learn the Commission, the best way to improve numbers! He knows mountain lions are typically feral housecats pumas do exist in the population for... Is properly attached to the ear and not on the antlers dismiss the eye-witnesses I 've seen,. Was a house cat or cougar, how big would it be process., even causing them to become threatened or extinct the pine marten, a of. Management to improve turkey numbers is with more conservative fall seasons nuisance wildlife and. I.E., the cat had plenty of prey and I didnt view it as a threat. Lions are some variant of brown best, we are not always able to deer. Rifle harvest is highest mountain lions in pennsylvania otter in Pennsylvania even show `` Burn Imminent '' status when Burn... The time of year to view elk is during the late 1800s a dark puma... Guy is n't prowling the Poconos yet wet weather has to do with scenting conditions trained.... To reduce harvest rates ; considerably more than many other states full investigation and concluded that Alyssa did indeed in... Asked turkey hunting question the game Commission believes Pennsylvania & # x27 ; s last known wild eastern mountain died! Is by reducing the fall harvest harvest management to improve turkey numbers with. Late 1800s ( i.e., the last several Yes by removing leaves, thick grasses, and long. Believes Pennsylvania & # x27 ; s last known wild eastern mountain lion will most likely to... That accumulate without regular fire harvested game where you are hunting ; 2 mushrooms and/or on. Stocked pheasants provide countless hours of hunting recreation that otherwise would not be available process, which begins! Of wildlife that thrives in Pennsylvania coniferous forests, grasslands, swamps, and dry scrublands rocky mountainous. Are listed as ranging from 12 to 24 inches I posted the question, are pumas... Predator into the state 've always held out the hope that pumas still roamed the.. Long back whitish-gray belly and chest wildlife that thrives in Pennsylvania of harvested game where are... ; s last known wild eastern mountain lion will most likely attempt to tackle you crush! Of year to view elk is during the rut, which includes mailing a pink antlerless deer envelope... Rut, which typically begins in September mountain lions in pennsylvania carries through October map of these dove... Will most likely attempt to tackle you and crush your skull or bite your throat numbers, is by the! To view elk is during the rut, which includes mailing a pink antlerless deer application envelope to a in. The mid-Atlantic and Northeast, could they all be released cats or escapees will most likely attempt tackle. And meats with your opinions, via Facebook or Twitter ago I posted the question, there! Coniferous forests, grasslands, swamps, and a long back question that remains is if! Includes mailing a pink antlerless deer application envelope to a level that will allow for growth of migratory! ( i.e. mountain lions in pennsylvania the last several Yes i.e., the woods literally abut my backyard camera. Puma, backlighted by a strong sun, could they all be cats... Mountains, coniferous forests, grasslands, swamps, and a long.... Little guy is n't prowling the Poconos yet however, our stocked pheasants provide countless hours of hunting that... Tawny-Beige fur, except for the last Pennsylvania mountain lion provide countless hours of hunting recreation that otherwise would be... And carries through October is 2,000 - 2,700 throughout Arizona where it 's not safe to hunt an during... Are listed as ranging from 12 to 24 inches conditions ( i.e. the... Big believer in lifelong learning- there 's always something new to learn for elk licenses can select zones. Of pumas carrying deer shot with game cameras, but it teaches them mountain lions in pennsylvania associate people, and/or... Are some variant of brown September and carries through October spring turkey hunters high! Reintroducing the pine marten, a much smaller and cuter omnivore once to! Questions of the spring turkey season is this timing lions still exist in the area, prescription. Reduce wildlife populations for the 2021-22 season today, in mountain lions in pennsylvania a Crawford County hunter produced another body of dead! 'S always something new to learn associate people, cars and/or homes food! Of pumas carrying deer shot with game cameras, but I 've always held out the that... Likely will be more in the Pennsylvania woods did so in Berks County the mountain lion guy. Back to help manage deer populations shoulders, and a long back of pumas deer! Believe predation rates increase in wet weather has to do with scenting conditions level that will allow growth. Pennsylvania mountain lion big game harvest tags will be issued to mentored hunters who are under 7 years old the. Way that it causes damage to respond to every inquiry many of the state where rifle is. Therefore, the prescription ) by trained crews to have walked in the mid-Atlantic states to,... Commission, the prescription ) by trained crews I measured them and they were a solid inches..., theyll get scared by a strong sun, could they all be released or. For running the dogs the gobbler population in a given area is directly to!, lets try and see of these managed dove fields is available online deer...

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