Are Cougars Really Extinct in Ontario, Canada?
The Eastern Cougar has become somewhat like big foot in some parts of Ontario, particularly Southern Ontario; while they once thrived in that region, the last documented living cougar in Ontario was recorded in 1938. Around this stage the Eastern Cougar was moved to the extinct list in the province of Ontario in Canada; however, a number of reported and confirmed sightings over the past decade have caused experts to reconsider if the cougar (also known as the Mountain Lion, Puma or Panther) is truly extinct in Ontario, or if it’s simply endangered.
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Since 2002 alone, there have been over 500 reported sightings in Ontario with farmers reporting attacks to their livestock, and hunters and other individuals out for a stroll through deeply wooded areas claiming to spot a much larger, cat-like animal with similar markings to a deer in fleeting glimpses. While very few of these sightings have actually been confirmed; there is enough DNA evidence collected through hair and Cougar scat to indicate that the Eastern Cougar is still alive and well in Ontario, though the true numbers cannot be confirmed.
Few Ontarians are aware that there might still be Cougars living among them - or for that matter, that they ever did since the Cougar’s history predates a large percentage of the population today. But with sightings being reported all across Ontario, it’s clear that while the Cougar may be as elusive as big foot, these animals are out there and probably in large numbers.
One confirmed Cougar sighting was in Gatineau Park, Quebec, near Canada’s capital, Ottawa; a popular hiking and camping area. Despite the high human presence, within 25 years, there have been multiple reports of cougar sightings, which were finally confirmed to be valid in 2007 after park officials saw a large-sized Mountain Lion casually strolling across one of the park’s roads. Other confirmed sightings have been in the Lindsay and Peterborough area, and researchers are setting up discreet cameras in hopes of catching some of these creatures in action and getting a better feel for just how big their population is.
Cougars aren’t foreign in Canada, with populations living in great numbers in the West, particularily in the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia. These Cougars are not believed to be of the same species as the ones in Ontario. While there is no absolute evidence as to why the Eastern Cougar became extinct in Ontario in the early to mid-1900’s; some have suggested it’s due to a migration of deer, one of the species’ main food sources, or as a result of settling farmers killing them off when they posed a risk to their livestock. Other large wild cats have managed to thrive in Ontario, including the Ontario Bobcat and the Lynx.
This is good news for the Eastern Cougar, if the species is managing to thrive again after decades of being considered extinct, but it might have entirely different meanings to Ontario residents who might need to start taking extra precautions with their livestock and small animals.
Via: Ontario Puma Foundation, Canada.com
I find this disgusting. I love Canada and it’s great majesty; however I will not ever understand the drive to extinction of many animals and their natural habitats. Set an example for the world Canada and say “no more.”
The cougar ( mountain lion ) is not extinct. There are several right here in Little Britain, Ontario. I have seen one with my own eyes. If your community has a deer population, your community also has a mountain lion population.
Exactly my point, Frank! They’re still considered “extinct” in Ontario although there is tons of evidence that there is a thriving population. There is talk of moving them up a notch to “endangered” (and some organizations recognize them this way), but researchers still aren’t satisfied enough until they can determine specifically how many are out there.
Near me, in the Milton/Campbellville/Burlington area, there have been sightings and attacks upon livestock, but no evidence yet other than witness accounts to confirm they’re here.
Tamara, this is something that goes back historically, and there is no firm evidence that indicates with certainty that farmers were responsible for their decline, as I mentioned, the migration of deer populations (i.e. less food in Southern Ontario for these) is one theory that researchers have behind the cougar’s “extinction”
In areas of Canada where cougars are plentiful, there is hunting allowed during designated seasons and with limitations, however, the populations are still thriving.
If you want cougars head to Vancouver Island BC where I’m from… there’s plenty, they may even head into town and pick off your child or pet if you’re not paying attention.
Have fun!
Tamara,
Much agreed! Though the cougar may not be extinct, there should never be a point to where any wildlife is ever pushed to the point of even endangered!! In every country we should protect our natural species as we do our own race.
Well said, and yes we should all set an example.
I have no problem preserving and protecting nature and animals that may require our help, however, mountain lions that lurk in residential communities where my children play hide & seek and wait for their school bus also requires a competent and diligent effort by all concerned parties with respect to keeping a certain level of safety for the public. Public safety deserves more than statistics for a basis with which to deal with predictable and preventable sources of injury or death. Mountain lions in our communities is a “no-brainer.” Must we wait for a fatality before we act appropriately to mitigate this threat?
This particular mountain lion ( http://www.keci.com/Hays-man-kills-mountain-lion-lounging-in-tree/5659997 ) was shot in the front yard of a home where the children play. It’s stomach contained several house cats. Obviously, this mountain lion had made this community his home, with no apparent fear of man.
This mountain lion ( http://www.helenair.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_26ca9986-c9db-11de-afb8-001cc4c002e0.html ) stalked a 14-year-old boy who was hunting Elk with his father. The North American Mountain Lion is the fourth largest lion on planet earth. They have no natural enimies. Mountain lions kill, eat and make baby lions. Not even the “Grizzly Bear” is a threat to mountain lions.