ST. CLOUD, MN – Though mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, were declared extinct in Minnesota long ago, occasional sightings continue to be reported across the state.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, historically, mountain lions roamed Minnesota, though never in large numbers. Today, most sightings are believed to be of transient animals passing through from the Western Dakotas, rather than evidence of a resident breeding population.
Despite claims of increased sightings, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has found no solid evidence of a breeding population within the state.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the DNR’s annual scent-post and winter tracking surveys have recorded no signs of cougars.
Many reported sightings turn out to be mistaken identities, with animals such as bobcats, coyotes, wolves, and even large house cats often misidentified as mountain lions.
Nevertheless, the DNR encourages residents to report any potential cougar sightings, which can be verified through photos or physical evidence like tracks, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.