ALEXANDRIA, LA – Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are officially considered extinct in Louisiana, according to wildlife experts and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). Once native to the region, these large cats have not maintained a breeding population in the state for over a century.
The decline of mountain lions in Louisiana began in the 19th century, primarily due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, as settlers expanded agricultural lands and developed towns, the vast forests and swamps that once provided ideal habitats for these predators were destroyed.
Additionally, mountain lions were often hunted to protect livestock, further depleting their numbers.
By the early 20th century, the mountain lion population in Louisiana had been effectively wiped out. While there have been occasional reports of sightings, these are believed to be either misidentifications or transient individuals from neighboring states, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.