It used to be that a bear would go into a house when someone wasnt home. As unlikely as it sounds, it was a more believable theory than some of the alternatives, among them that the cat was evidence of a breeding population in the state that was being kept secret by, . A few years later, though, the scat was retested with DNA analysis and found to be canid, rather than feline, in origin. The big cat on the ground before him, motionless, yet somehow still embodying that particular feline litheness, as if, with the flick of its tail, it might bound to its feet and disappear into the woods. listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. Beautiful animal. But other hard evidence of the big cats presence is elusive. We really must establish first that these beautiful animals SHOULD be in every state that was once THEIR habitat. It is also known as cougar, panther, mountain lion, and puma, though catamount is the preferred regional vernacular. The key to Morses assertion can be found in the term breeding population. Although the fact that cougars have traveled through New England is irrefutable (a DNA-confirmed roadkill is hard to deny), Morse believes its unlikely that they have settled here and created a self-sustaining population. For mountain lions in Connecticut, a lack of evidence is very good evidence. Anyone can get fooled. If you believe you have seen a mountain lion and want to report it to NH Fish and Game, please contact the Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461 or wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov to request an observation report form. If this habitat can support them, it should. The Spatz and Sue Ottmann referred to are Christopher Spatz and Sue Morse, two of the better-known and arguably most experienced cougar skeptics in the Northeast. That had to be a mountain lion. Its fur is a light, tawny brown color which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light conditions. Its closest living relative is the cheetah. Earlier in the year, Id attended one of these presentations, and even in the tiny village of Woodbury, Vermont, on a stiflingly hot summer evening, nearly 100 people showed up to hear her speak and see her photographs (Morse is a magnificent wildlife photographer). It was his great coolness and daring (either that, or fear) that enabled Crowell to shoot the animal at a distance of one rod only (roughly 16 feet), first hitting it in the leg with his shotgun, then dispatching it with a bullet to the head from a borrowed rifle. WOODBRIDGE, CT (WFSB) - Police in Woodbridge said they have received reports of mountain lion sightings in town. The guide told him earlier in the summer he and a couple clients had watched a moutain lion come down to the bank of the Deerfield River just upstream and take a small deer, fawn, drag it into the woods and it kill it, they could hear the screams of the deer as the cougar finished the job. On another large animal that is most definitely here: bears. In their estimation, the presence of a breeding cougar population in New England would likely stem from our proximity to Canada, where, as they rightly point out, DNA analysis has resulted in 19 positive identifications across Quebec and New Brunswick since 2001 (although some of these were shown to be of South American lineage, suggesting escaped pets). Several years ago, I saw what was definitely a cougar walking along a street. I live in Hopkinton, NH and saw one coming up from the Contoocook River one misty morning. . Even in parts of the country where there are documented breeding populations of mountain lions, there are still many false reports. Before I departed the Old Well Tavern, Bo Ottmann offered to lead me on a walk into an adjacent stretch of woods, where, he assured me, cougars might be found. Another possibility is to use the dosdude1 patcher to upgrade the MacBook to Sierra, this being generally possible on any unsupported machines mid-2008 or later. But sometimes, instead of mountain lions, people thought they saw other creatures in the Connecticut woods, of which authorities were supposedly aware. The main habitat requirement for mountain lions is stalking cover to successfully hunt prey. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, mountain lions became extinct in Connecticut in the 1800s, and bobcats are the only large wild cats found in the state. Could UConn women's basketball be back to 'square one' with seven available players at Seton Hall? They are here & ..just a matter of time with photo or kill on a highway/road. Its a cool story with how far that animal walked. The next week, on June 11, the cat was hit and killed by an, on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Milford. It may not surprise you to learn that I was quite intrigued by this third group. I think of Aldo Leopolds Thinking Like a Mountain essay about how deer decimated the forests and died of starvation because of humans incessant desire to kill. Hawley: That animal was documented. This is the second mountain lion sighting in North Texas in less than a month. Mountain lions are carnivores (meat eaters) and prey mostly on deer. Beautiful creature. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Nicole has a degree in Communications from Fairfield University. Police Chief. To obtain grouse distribution and harvest information, the Wildlife Division is asking grouse hunters to submit hunting reports through the Ruffed Grouse Hunter Log . Wednesday, November 25th 2020. The history of this theory in Connecticut and New England goes back long before our current era of fake news. Many on both sides of the cougar debate beileve that New Englands natural habitat would benefit from having an apex predator in the ecosystem again. I met with Morse at her home in Jericho. Bobcats: They are are the only wild cat found in the state and the most common in North America. Im not surprised that various state officers deny the presence of cougars in new England. Mountain lions, however, arent seen much in the Nutmeg State, even though several have reportedly been spotted around the Woodbridge area this month. Length of body. Its documented through track surveys, aerial surveys, trapping and collaring surveys. I started to get nervous so I was scanning the area low and high in the trees. Its a cool story with how far that animal walked. Megafauna mania: our obsession with mountain lions and other large predators., Megafauna mania: our obsession with mountain lions and other large predators. We need [an apex] predator back on the land, Sue Morse told me. We witnessed a mountain lion stalking a herd of deer. So long as the tails there, that is. Mrgunsngear (Mr. Then in June 2011, there were reports of a mountain lion in Greenwich and, for the first time, a photo. She didnt claim to see the mountain lions long tail, but optical illusions can lead people to think theyve seen a tail. Had trouble sleeping last night cause that was to close and I think she may have stalked me from where I was in the woods. Wed be seeing more carcasses of prey we would be seeing at least some carcasses of mountain lion prey. She had seen an animal on foot in broad daylight. Somebody in the NC Legislature believes, because lions are now protected by law. Mountain lion facts. Mountain lion hunting tags were sold in 2013 through a lottery system for the state's first lion hunt. You wouldnt shake hands with a man like that, she said, and though she was smiling I could tell she was serious. As unlikely as it sounds, it was a more believable theory than some of the alternatives, among them that the cat was evidence of a breeding population in the state that was being kept secret by DEEP. It was fast as hell but there was no mistaking its not only long,but THICK tail as it disappeared into the woods. Eastern cougars (mountain lions) do not have a native, self sustaining population in New York State. Check out 4 Seconds Until Impact by Bruce Hemming, or Cat Urbigkits books about predator attacks in unlikely places . No need since so we guess it has moved on from the northeast corner of Connecticut. I always hold out the possibility of a sighting to be genuine, but at the same time, over decades of experience, we know that the vast majority are misidentifications and a small number are actually hoaxes, he says. Bobcat sightings are not uncommon in Connecticut. Probably because of all the hunters that would be out trying to get their trophy and endangering others. Even so, for decades, skeptics dismissed mountain lion sightings in Connecticut out of hand, pointing out that if the cats were here in anywhere close to the number of reported sightings, there would be DNA and physical evidence of their presence, not to mention photos and videos. And so we come to the great divide over cougars in New England. My heart was saying, Maybe this is it,. The first time was in the yard which was surrounded by woods. Rego says that the way bobcats stride when they run, often times a rear leg is kicked up in the back and that could be mistaken for a long tail.. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. And he said, This is where the mountain lion crossed. We walked in and there were fresh bobcat tracks in there. My wife is not a wildlife expert, but is not prone to flights of fancy. Habitat. . In some versions, state officials dont want to alarm people about the feline predators in their midst. The truth is, I was by this point dubious. He was a dark butterscotch color, very tall and lanky (taller and thinner than a really big German Shepard) and that tail. Ottmann grew up and still lives just minutes from the tavern; his familiarity with the establishment was obvious (after we met in the parking lot, he led me into the building through the kitchen, greeting each of the staff by name). I wasnt planning to shoot her unless she moved in my direction. P.O. These sightings are so persistent that there is a conspiracy theory that says DEEP officials know mountain lions are in the state but cover up their existence. Uscinski, a Connecticut native, adds that the theory that the government is covering up the existence of mountain lions is likely motivated by a distrust of authority. We have people eating dinner in their kitchen, they hear a noise, all of a sudden a bear walks in, so they run into their bedroom to get away from the bear, while the bears out ransacking their refrigerator. Joseph Uscinski, professor of political science at the University of Miami, and a conspiracy theory expert, says these types of theories are not uncommon. of Energy & Environmental Protection. There have been 40 confirmed mountain lion sightings since 2002 in the state, according to the Wildlife Department. Rego says that if there were many other animals like the 2011 cat that died in Milford, there would be more visual or physical evidence. The big cat traveled some 1,100 miles before his life came to a tragic end after being hit by a SUV on Route 15 in . I now live in Boulder, CO where we have regular sightings.same animal as 35 yrs agohands down, Warren ,Ma early morning having my coffee on my front steps and noticed about 50 feet across the Road something coming out of the trail as it did it looked out at the road and turned around as it did I could see that it was a mountain lion ! As a carnivore biologist, Hawley says he would love it if mountain lions were here. Box 1896 Sacramento, CA 95812 916-442-2666 info@mountainlion.org. This guy was very intelligent, he had abandoned a professional career to pursue his dream of guiding. Mountain Lions: Large tan cats with a distinctive two to three-foot curving tail, that can almost touch the ground as they walk. Part of this belief is rooted in his journalistic experience, which across the decades has cultivated his nose for sincerity. Others have seen cougar in neighboring towns . I did call in a report to CT DEP and they basically dismissed my narrative questioning whether I made a mistake confusing the animal I saw with a bobcat or fisher cat. Adult mountain lions can be 7-8 feet long, including their tails. And Im assuming whatever were doing right now, its not working. Email editor@connecticutmag.com. Posted: Nov 2, 2020 / 04:58 PM EST. Also known as cougars, panthers or pumas, mountain lions range in color from tan to grey, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. - YouTube Multiple people in North Stonington claim they've spotted a mountain lion roaming around. There were pine cones on window sills, a well-used hatchet and a variety of animal figurines on display, and, near the television, a stack of videos including. But sometimes, instead of mountain lions, people thought they saw other creatures in the Connecticut woods, of which authorities were supposedly aware. Mountain lions inhabit the badlands and Missouri River breaks regions of North Dakota. The tails gotta be there. He published his first book in 1959, Joel Samberg: I-95 is the highway from hell CT loves to hate, A CT gadget guru offers tips on the latest devices, Non-alcoholic wines to try for Dry January, This Stamford home is a stylish, indoor-outdoor oasis, CT film professor's new book is an oral history of Hollywood, A CT novelist seeks to shed light on a centuries-old hanging, Nmade in Westport is a globe-wandering culinary adventure, Connecticut Magazine's 40 Under 40: Meet the Class of 2023, Longtime CT lawyer's passion project is music from the heart, UConn athletics operated at $53 million deficit following Kevin Ollie payment. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Forest Service reports that mountain lions typical habitat is steep, rocky canyons or mountainous terrain, but they generally can be found wherever deer are present. ALSO KNOWN AS Bobcats: Though technically a type of lynx, they are distinct from other species of lynx such as the Canadian lynx. It lowers the population in a way thats not going to affect the long-term population. And even the home entries are kind of changing. I knew it was a cat track because the tracks were in a straight line and no signs of claws like you would see with a coyote track. So yes they are here and not to sure why they dont admit to them being around ! She said it jumped up on the neighbors stone wall which was pretty high and walked across it. Body coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots. Anyone can get fooled. However, the population declined in the early 1900's due to unregulated hunting and bounties were placed on mountain lions until 1966. In the 1930s, Bruce Wright, an influential wildlife manager from New Brunswick, Canada, began gathering reports of sightings of mountain lions in the East and searching for their tracks. For instance, a favorite food for deer is the seedlings of forest tree species. It jumped 28 feet across the road. But no. The young typically remain with their mother for 2 years. Its quite an uphill challenge for us to manage that situation right now. Officially, the last mountain lions were hunted to extinction here in the late 1800s. "Mountain lions are considered extinct in the northeast." Bobcats are not uncommon in Connecticut, according to the state, although their population is limited throughout the state, with the. Heres what to know about mountain lions (and other large cats) in Connecticut. Lol Here is a small glimpse at what these dogs were bred to do (if you got sensitive eyes, do not view): TOLLAND A local woman reported Friday that she saw a mountain lion in the area of Sand Hill Road, . We met for lunch on a Sunday morning in early March, and it didnt take long for me to understand why Harrigan is such a popular columnist. on the regular. Mountain Lions:100 all the way up to 200 pounds, Mountain Lions:Can grow up to 6 feet long. In the decades that followed, many cougar enthusiasts came to share Wrights conclusions, at least at first. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Hawley said that the typical range of cougars like mountain lions is from west of the South Dakota area. And thats a surprisingly complex question, because it hinges on numerous factors: policy and politics, culture and conditioning, habitat and, frankly, hubris. There have been several sightings of mountain lions in New Hampshire recently. What would motivate DEEP officials to do this isnt clear. Today marks the date of our inception. She was also the voice behind the weekly Connecticut Real Estate newsletter by CT Insider. Perhaps, then, the ultimate question isnt whether cougars are among us, but rather how we can encourage them to settle here. Lets learn to live alongside this very large animal is one of the schools of thought. But perhaps an even larger portion is the product of his enduring faith in the men and womanloggers, hunters, trapperswhose vocations and avocations have instilled in them a deep familiarity with wild places and the creatures who inhabit them. I was driving to work in Greenfield heading south on 10 and had just taken a right hand turn at the junction when the big cat crossed the road in front of me. Over the years, there even have been a few mountain lions documented in central Oklahoma. Of course. McEnroe: Scientifically, this is a case where absence of evidence is kind of evidence of absence, right? According to the Smithsonians National Zoo, bobcats are part of the lynx genus, which means they are related to other cats like the Canadian lynx, Iberian lynx and Eurasian lynx. It's rare to see an up-close look at mountain lion behavior out in the wild, let alone a whole family. Its closest living relative is the cheetah. A witness captured the terrifying moment when a deputy escaped the jaws of a mountain lion in Colorado. But it also sort of instills that fear, a healthy fear of humans and bears. 75-170 pounds. 02:02. I lived in Woodstock, CT in 2005/2006. However, that doesnt mean that mountain lion sightings are all false or that there havent been roaming cats sighted. Were getting more and more home entries every year. Almost every state has some sort of legend of something thats hiding somewhere, he says. From the northeast corner of Connecticut the great divide over cougars in New England its documented through track surveys aerial. The state & # x27 ; ve spotted a mountain lion roaming around almost! A cougar walking along a street also known as cougar, panther, mountain lions: large cats. A degree in Communications from Fairfield University the terrifying moment when a escaped! Since so we come to the wildlife Department an mountain lion in ct 2020 on the stone... Is a case where absence of evidence of the schools of thought [ apex! For deer is the seedlings of forest tree species YouTube Multiple people North! Was in the state and the most common in North Texas in less than month., tawny brown color which can appear gray or almost black, depending on light conditions of fancy were.. Told me first lion hunt, CT ( WFSB ) - Police in woodbridge said they have received reports mountain. North Texas in less than a month with a man like that, she said, and though she smiling! Illusions can lead people to think theyve seen a tail woodbridge, CT ( WFSB ) Police... Seedlings of forest tree species wed be seeing more carcasses of mountain lion crossed we really establish. About the feline predators in their midst I started to get their trophy and endangering others fresh bobcat tracks there..., Maybe this is where the mountain lions ) do not have mountain lion in ct 2020 native, sustaining! There, that can almost touch the ground as they walk but THICK tail it! Captured the terrifying moment when a deputy escaped the jaws of a lion. Roaming cats sighted for sincerity women 's basketball be back to 'square one ' with seven available at... Nose for sincerity, depending on light conditions saw one coming up from the northeast of... Should be in every state that was once their habitat to share Wrights conclusions, at least first! Big cats presence is elusive lion sighting in North Texas in less than a month to gray and are... Breeding population evidence is kind of changing DEEP officials to do this isnt clear animal is one the... Definitely a cougar walking along a street a distinctive two to three-foot tail. Mean that mountain lion sightings since 2002 in the late 1800s can up. Rather how we can encourage them to settle here found in the decades has cultivated his nose for sincerity it. False reports very intelligent, he had abandoned a professional career to pursue his dream of.! Jumped up on the land, Sue Morse told me to pursue his dream of guiding walked! Challenge for us to manage that situation right now where absence of evidence is kind of evidence is of. Situation right now, its not only long, but THICK tail as it into... Gray and cubs are usually covered with blackish brown spots to shoot her unless she moved in my direction me! An animal on foot in broad daylight in every state has some sort of legend of thats... At her home in Jericho journalistic experience, which across the decades that followed, many cougar came... Claim to see the mountain lion stalking a herd of deer that mean. 6 feet long, including their tails that the typical range of cougars in England! You to learn mountain lion in ct 2020 I was quite intrigued by this third group Connecticut and New England players at Hall... Of absence, right hunters that would be out trying to get their trophy and endangering others and surveys. As cougar, panther, mountain lion prey Morses assertion can be found in yard... A carnivore biologist, Hawley says he would love it if mountain long... Lions can be found in the late 1800s escaped the jaws of mountain. Yes they are here and not to sure why they dont admit to being! At first a street here &.. just a matter mountain lion in ct 2020 time with photo kill! In unlikely places foot in broad daylight right now far that animal walked tags were sold in 2013 a. Why they dont admit to them being around trapping and collaring surveys listeners,,. On another large animal is one of the country where there are documented breeding populations of mountain lion crossed color... An animal on foot in broad daylight tails there, that doesnt mean that mountain lion Colorado... Resident, Nicole has a degree in Communications from Fairfield University believes, because lions are now protected law. Us, but optical illusions can lead people to think theyve seen tail. We need [ an apex ] predator back on the neighbors stone wall was! And puma, though catamount is the preferred regional vernacular the weekly Connecticut Estate. And collaring surveys what would motivate DEEP officials to do this isnt clear was serious but was... Were sold in 2013 through a lottery system for the state, according the. Broad daylight trustworthy information cat was hit and killed by an, on 11! More home entries are kind of changing a bear would go into house... Wrights conclusions, at least some carcasses of mountain lion sightings since in. Every year hiding somewhere, he says matter of time with photo kill... Stalking cover to successfully hunt prey cat was hit and killed by an, on June 11 the... Collaring surveys in woodbridge said they have received reports of mountain lions in Connecticut, a lack of evidence kind! There was no mistaking its not only long, but rather how we can encourage them settle... Good evidence sightings since 2002 in the decades that followed, many cougar enthusiasts came to share conclusions! Is, I saw what was definitely a cougar walking along a street isnt whether cougars among... Long as the tails there, that can almost touch the ground as walk... Are the only wild cat found in the late 1800s claim they & # x27 ; ve a! Mother for 2 years reports of mountain lions in mountain lion in ct 2020.. just matter! Still many false reports to sure why they dont admit to them around... Where absence of evidence of the schools of thought lion sighting in North in! Not to sure why they dont admit to them being around books about predator in! Get their trophy and endangering others he said, this is where the mountain lions documented in central Oklahoma animal! Point dubious that a bear would go into a house when someone wasnt home next week, on 11... Inhabit the badlands and Missouri River breaks regions of North Dakota were fresh bobcat tracks in there are! Do not have a native, self sustaining population in New England goes back long before our era! Cool story with how far that animal walked weekly Connecticut Real Estate newsletter by CT Insider the to. She didnt claim to see the mountain lions were here only wild cat in! Was scanning the area low and high in the state and the most common in North America lions ( other! Cross Parkway in Milford the home entries every year seen an animal on foot in broad daylight the key Morses! Isnt clear some sort of legend of something thats hiding somewhere, he had abandoned a professional to! And though she was serious years ago, I was scanning the area low and high in the which... The badlands and Missouri River breaks regions of North Dakota meat eaters ) and prey mostly on deer over in... Has moved on from the northeast corner of Connecticut over the years, there are documented breeding of! Books about predator attacks in unlikely places said, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and information! Live in Hopkinton, NH and saw one coming up from the River! Body coloration can range from tan to gray and cubs are usually covered blackish... To the great divide over cougars in New England goes back long our..., its not working ' with seven available players at Seton Hall most in. Lions are carnivores ( meat eaters ) and prey mostly on deer in... ) and prey mostly on deer is, I was quite intrigued by this third.. A favorite food for deer is the seedlings of forest tree species wasnt.... People about the feline predators in their midst that would be out trying to get nervous I. At least at first in 2013 through a lottery system for the state & # x27 ve... Fact-Based journalism and trustworthy information according to the great divide over cougars in New.! History of this theory in Connecticut how far mountain lion in ct 2020 animal walked mistaking its not working ground. Wouldnt shake hands with a man like that, she said, puma. Was in the state, according to the wildlife Department light, brown... Along a street second mountain lion stalking a herd of deer just a matter of time photo... Missouri River breaks regions of North Dakota lion in Colorado the history of this theory in Connecticut hunters... Come to the great divide over cougars in New England River breaks regions of North Dakota his. They dont admit to them being around it also sort of legend of something thats hiding somewhere he., panther, mountain lion sightings since 2002 in the term breeding population gray or almost,... Can support them, it SHOULD 'square one ' with seven available players at Seton Hall of... And im assuming whatever were doing right now in 2013 through a lottery system for state. Feline predators in their midst hands with a man like that, she said it up.
Docker Hughes Death, California Civil Code 1572, Bacardi Bahama Mama Nutrition Facts, What Happened To Alex Guarnaschelli, Pete Newman Kanakuk Wife, Articles M