Comments on: Are Cougars Really Extinct in Ontario, Canada?

By: John A. Lutz

John A. Lutz — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:24:39 +0000

Would appreciate any written data you have on cougars/mountain lions in your area of Milton/Campbellville/Burlington. Als any written data or the names of persons, who have lost livestock, so we can check out each incident.
We too, are positive, that wild, free-roaming mountain lions are alive and well in many regions of Ontario and eastern Canada, but scientists want definite proof, in form of track pictures, dead/attacked livestock.
Since the mid-1960s, when 1st becoming involved with the big cats in the eastern U.S., we have collected over 11,000 sightings, with approx. 15% accompanied by various forms of evidence.
We are seeking more convincing evidence in the form of pictures of tracks, injured or dead livestock or humans.
I thank you for your time……

Sincerely,

John A. Lutz
Eastern Puma Research Network
HC 30 Box 2233
Maysville, WV 26833 USA
24-HR HOTLINES: 304-749-7778 or epuma@hardynet.com
WEB: http://www.eprn.homestead.com or on Facebook under group name

By: Debbie Buttigieg/Raines

Debbie Buttigieg/Raines — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:05:58 +0000

We have a cabin in the north kawartha’s, two years ago we found a card in the gate to warn us that a black cougar had been seen crossing the road and going into the bush that went by our cabin, it had been seen twice in the evening about the size of a large dog, foot prints where found and documented, and I am just wondering if there have been anymore sittings. It was crossing 28 hyw .

By: Frank Docherty

Frank Docherty — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:04:19 +0000

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.

By: Frank Docherty

Frank Docherty — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:33:33 +0000

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.

By: Frank Docherty

Frank Docherty — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:20:07 +0000

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?

By: Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:21:48 +0000

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.

By: MD

MD — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:06:13 +0000

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!

By: Beth Graddon-Hodgson

Beth Graddon-Hodgson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:19:26 +0000

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.

By: Beth Graddon-Hodgson

Beth Graddon-Hodgson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:16:01 +0000

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.

By: Frank Docherty

Frank Docherty — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:00:26 +0000

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.