Mountain Lion Tracks And Scat

[troutfiend1985]

I would agreee with OB to report it, although it might get the locals stirred up and we might be talking about a third mountain lion shot in the next few weeks But again, that could happen with or without a report to the MDC.

I thought the most interesting thing you posted on there was the fact that you have talked to people who have seen mountains with young ones. I've heard of mountain lions in KC, my brother has seen one, I've seen footprints in sand traps at a golf course that I worked at, but I have never heard anyone say they've seen young mountain lions in MO. I thought that was really interesting.

[Al Agnew]

Yeah, I don't think the pointy toes are very indicative. Lack of discernable claw marks might be. But I'm like Wayne...I'd expect more rounded toes. And the wild cat tracks, both cougar and bobcat, are "lopsided"...the inside toe is farther back than the outside one, making the track asymmetrical. As you said, the heel pad is a much different shape than the canids, and a little of that shows in the photo. All in all...I'd say it's possible but far from certain.

[The Tactician]

Yep, far from certain. The gas station was the one on 215 and CC. (I think that is the intersection.) It's one of those places that locals just hang out and have pictures of people's fish, turkeys, and deer all over the walls. I asked them about mountain lions, and all 7 to 10 people in there said they had seen one in one way or another. I do know that proves nothing and I may have had the same answer if I were asking about a skunk ape. Next time I'll fill my truck bed with raw chicken and bring a predator call.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I'm not saying it's not possible, but they aren't perfect cat tracks.

Cats are eventually going to spread eastward, it's inevitable. When the big campaign a little over a decade ago stopped the use of dogs in hunting bears and Mtn lions the wildlife agencies can no longer manage them. The fact that the tom will not allow any competition from his male kittens in his area, coupled with a burgeoning population means they will spread into areas where there is no competition.

Missouri is great habitat, lots of deer which is their favorite meal, large stands of timber and ravines and hollows to hide in. Once a female enters the state the gate will open and a real population won't be far behind.

before anyone gives up hunting and fishing in fear they night want to look at the record of confrontations in the western states. They are few and far between. Poisonous snakes are a bigger threat then any cats.

[Tim Smith]

...before anyone gives up hunting and fishing in fear they night want to look at the record of confrontations in the western states. They are few and far between. Poisonous snakes are a bigger threat then any cats.

Yep. Your neighbor's mutt is a bigger threat than these cats.