Eastern Cougar does inhabit South Carolina. In South Carolina it is thought that the cougars occurring here were of both the eastern race (Felis concolor cougar) and the Florida race (Felis concolor coryi). Since 1890 in the U.S. and Canada, there have been 100 attacks on humans at all, according to the research organization The Cougar Network. Says Perry, Except for a very small population in Florida, there are no known groups [of mountain lions] in the Southeast, or east of the Mississippi in all truthfulness. Read on to learn exactly what people might be spying in the woods. Kristin Hitchcock. When I stood up, it ran, shetold Fox News. Everyone knows to watch out for alligators and sharks along the coast and for the occasional bear in the mountain, but here are five possibly out-of-place creatures to keep a keen eye out for. Jason Hawley says his office gets lots of . While mountain lions may occasionally wander into the area, they are exceedingly rare and the state has no breeding population. The mountain lion ( Puma concolor) is sometimes called cougar, puma, catamount, and panther. The eastern cougar historically lived from Maine to South Carolina and from Michigan to Tennessee, the wildlife service said. There are no known mountain lions in North Carolina. Search for cougars continues in Pennsylvania. Luckily, the big cats probably wont pose a serious threat to public safety when they do appear in South Carolina, according to Butfiloski. The last confirmed sighting of the subspecies, "once the most widely roaming mammal in the New World" according to the federal government, was in 1938. Generally, mountain lions are calm, quiet and elusive. talk to a vet online for advice >. When you see the name "panther" "painter", "catamount" and other cougar synonyms attached to creeks, mountain peaks, gaps, and other features of our topography, it is a testament to the fact that this large predator was not only once here in South Carolina and the eastern US, but that its presence impressed people enough to name a place after it. Most tracks and pictures could possibly have been a different animal, which means that they cannot officially count as a cougar sighting. Some say that the panther is a silent assassin and that he and his mate share their bounty. Similar to Tennessee's wild elk and buffalo, the cougar was extirpated from the state around the early 1900s due to overhunting and . Some sightings are likely animals that ended up in our state through the exotic animal trade. Pee Dee Wildlife Control Inc. 2019 All Rights Reserved. Over the span of my career in the Charleston County School Districts Human Resources Division, I have been a part of numerous di Read moreOpEd: Increased educator compensation key to teacher retention, What do you think of the current political issue of electing school principals? My father encountered one on U.S. Highway 172 north of Summerville 40 years ago. They believe what they saw, said Butfiloski. Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Black Bears. All Rights Reserved. There are eight to 10 reported sightings of mountain lions, also called cougars or pumas, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. South Carolinians are likely seeing something, even if its not a mountain lion. and that is exactly what makes these areas dangerous. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. In 2017, SCDNR issued a warning about these dangerous sea creatures showing up on beaches. Adult females can be 7 feet long and weigh between . Learn more. Also have positively ID'ed a large cat tracks on a pond dam on the same property, and the owner saw one 5+ years ago and now carries a .44 Mag on his hip whenever he goes hunting. At Furman, students live on campus all four years. The wildness of our country and the inherent dangers in just taking a walk to the wood pile insured that we would have the 2nd amendment to the constitution. There has never been a confirmed or documented case of a melanistic mountain lion in the United States. They are a native species in South Carolina. Leopards, however, live in Africa and Asia. But there are still instances where new creatures are spotted here from time to time and, even worse, a population of a dangerous species spreads into our own backyard, effectively infiltrating suburban life. Two clicks on Google search brought up pictures exactly like what I had seen - an Eastern cougar cub. Mountain lions have a long tail that is usually darker colored at the tip. Published February 18, 2023 at 8:01 AM EST. With the closest mountain lion population being in South Florida, cougars would have to travel very far to end up in South Carolina. Today there are no wild reproducing populations of cougars in South Carolina. We want to connect with you to know your story and learn more about all you will contribute to the Furman community. Florida spent more than $1 million to protect these cougars which also are called panthers, he said. In fact, there are more than 80 names for the puma, more names than any other animal, according to the book "Cougar: The American Lion," by Kevin Hansen.It is important to note, though, that pumas . However, an individual animal is occasionally observed, or killed, as a result of someone releasing a "pet" cougar that got to be too much for them to handle. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. Cougars do not do well with roads and are often the victim of collisions with cars. But he says having a few of them roaming the woods is a good thing. They are shy and do not like people, though they will live near populated areas. Instead, Lucas said the majority of sightings are likely misidentification of other animals like bears, coyotes or large dogs. In 2003, eight residents from a Mauldin subdivision called police saying theyd seen a large black cat prowling around the woods behind their homes. Sorry, Carolina Panthers football fans! Listen 3:52. Instead, theyre wandering males. Sassafras Mt. LaRue, for instance, said people are probably seeing a house cat or black lab. Some accounts from people in places like Travelers Rest and Simpsonville involve only sightings. Now there are less than 100 panthers surviving in the swamps of South Florida. There are many reports made to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources each year about mountain lions. In 2007, Terrance Fletcher, a technician with the U.S. Forest Service, claimed he was chased into the Chattooga River by a 7-foot-long panther with jet black fur. There has never been a record or credible account of a black cougar in Eastern North America, Chastain said. A wild mountain lion hasnt been verified in South Carolina in about 100 years, said Perry, whos studied mountain lions for more than a decade. Adult females are smaller, averaging 80-90 pounds. What is difference between bobcat and mountain lion? Low near 65F. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. Several years later, the story of a federal foresters escape from the clutches of a black panther in Oconee County made headlines. Photo donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Kameron Peresnovich. When it comes to black panther sightings, scientists believe these animals are most likely smaller bears, black wolves or panthers sighted when lighting conditions and shadows cause them to appear darker in color than they are. by: Dennis Matherly. ), I am convinced, now more than ever, that we must be proactive with educator compensation immediately so that we can change the trajectory of the shortage in CCSD. Are There Big Cats in South Carolina? I'm sort of proud to be part of an elite little group that has made eye contact with the illusive Carolina panther. Whether you're interested in becoming a Lion or Leo, or requesting service from a club, this is the place to do it. Mistaken identities may also occur with the cougar's smaller relative, the bobcat. One is located in the mountains and the other is found in the coastal plains. Butfiloski said SCDNR would likely be eligible for federal money to study mountain lions and protect and manage lands for the presence of them if they actually appeared. All Rights Reserved. (An Overview), Why Do Cats Eat Plants? As opportunistic animals, they tend to eat whatever size-appropriate animal they can find. They do have a tail, but it is only about 6 to 8 inches long. Many people claimtheyre actually seeing a black mountain lion, but there has never been a mountain lion that has been seen, killed, or bred in captivity that is black,according to Perry. "Many of these deaths have occurred in British Columbia, on Vancouver Island. "There are no known cougars in North Carolina," Jodie Owens of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission told the Observer. Slot canyons. A wild mountain lion hasnt been verified in South Carolina in about 100 years, said Perry, whos studied mountain lions for more than a decade. I came face to face with the famed Carolina panther, and I don't mean the blue and black NFL variety. Speaking of Florida, the Florida Panther is actually a subspecies of the . I was shocked when I first saw the prints, because they were so big, said Claes. Back away slowly, preferably to a place of shelter like a building or vehicle. We need a top predator to keep the coyotes under control.. Usually, this is a result of their food sources being destroyed or the use of rat poison. 3300 Poinsett Highway However, there has not been a verified sighting in over 100 years. This cat can be found throughout much of South and North America. Just as armadillo sightings and occasional crocodile visits are being noted around our coast, it's possible, that the Florida panther has made his way north, too. Mountain lions typically keep their distance from humans, he said. Andrew Moore of the Greenville Journal pens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. I know what I heard that afternoon, he said. There are approximately 20 recognized geographic races of the cougar throughout its range. In 2015, Michelle LaRue, a research ecologist and speaker at the University of Minnesota and executive director of the Cougar Network, cast doubt on black panther sightings in a blog post, saying there is no compelling evidence that a single wild black panther has ever existed in the United States.. Mountain lions do not currently have an established population in South Carolina. February 12, 2019, the story of a man who claimed to have been attacked by a black panther in Georgetown county spread quickly across news outlets and social media. Height: 3,068. stands 3,560 feet tall. Low near 65F. Some people even claim SCDNR is covering up the presence of mountain lions. Home range for bears must include den sites, food, water and cover for adults and young. A sampling of panther blog entries includes 'Seen [sic] a show on TV about black panthers in the Carolinas. The fight would probably play out with one of the creatures stalking the other. Coyotes in South Carolina now thats another story. Once they learn it, they do it again." Despite this there might be no free South Carolina animal services for wildlife within South Carolina County. However, they're becoming more and more of an issue in the Piedmont. They arent much bigger than a domestic house cat in many cases. Can Cats Eat Rosemary? We can thank the Spanish for the mean wild pigs found here. Hence, there was no Eastern puma/cougar to go extinct in the first place. Known For: Corbin Mountain is part of the Saluda Mountains, which are part of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains that traverse South Carolina. Mountain lions can bound up to 40 feet while running, leap 15 feet up a tree, climb over a 12-foot fence, travel many miles at 10 mph, and reach speeds of 50 mph in a sprint. Neither am I Rudy Mancke, Marlin Perkins, or Jim Fowler. But they arent true Eastern cougars. Mountain lions are an important part of the park ecosystem, helping to keep deer and other prey populations in check. Are you thoroughly confused? This feline only gets to about . This Florida population, once down to about 50 animals, is now thought to be back in excess of 100 animals as a positive result of recovery plans. The cougar (also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, catamount, puma, and other names) was once one of the most widely distributed mammals in the Western Hemisphere. Many ridges, creeks, swamps and mountains were long ago named for panthers or the colloquial term "painters," both common names in this part of the country for the cougar. You probably won't find a mountain . Even thought they're on the endangered species list. There are countless game and trail cameras out in the woods ofSouth Carolina at any given time, and nobody has photographed a large cat, yet these animals do show up on game camerasin states that have cougars, said Butfiloski, who believes the trail camera footage from Ladys Island shows a house cat. Many ridges, creeks, swamps and mountains were long . . A trio of mountain lions were photographed by a trail camera near Lewis and Clark Park by Yankton on Aug. 31, Haffley said. Furman University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities. . He paused on the side of the road. Mountain lions, which are also called cougars, pumas, and sometimes panthers, once roamed from coast to coast. Foolishly, they threw a dried piece of beef to the hungry carnivores. More:Wandering South Carolina elk 'rules the roost' at new home in Charles Towne Landing. Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet), Beagle Pain Syndrome: Causes, Signs, and Care Guide, Rabies in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Care Guide, Have a cat? If you are not and would like to read this and all the other great . With spectacular hiking trails, scenic waterfalls and sweeping views, the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Love South Carolina? Service starts with Lions. Greenville, SC 29613. Staying Safe Around Wild Cats in South Carolina Image Credit: milesz, Pixabay. A 140-pound male mountain lion was hit by a car and killed in 2011 in Milford, Connecticut. Weve received calls about mountain lions for years, said Butfiloski. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Simply type the location or club name into the search bar below, and let the service begin! While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. However, should one be sighted, it is now illegal to kill them. Bobby, Brenda and Zack were doing what every child did- they were playing in the woods. So rather than a unique species, the Eastern Cougar was a distinct variation within the cougar population that roamed throughout North America. Their small size paired with their stealth ability allows them to stay hidden quite well. Bobcats, Lynx rufus, one of six cat species native to the United States, can be found in each of the lower 48 states, including all of South Carolina. . The back story on why the myth or truth of the existence of Eastern cougars/pumas is consequential comes from Tennessee. Their beige or tawny fur helps camouflage them in countless environments. Bobcats are an elusive species. Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. In 1973, the agency added the eastern cougar to the List of Endangered . South Carolina has two populations of black bears. They . Sometimes, these cats get pushed very far away from where they were born.. Brandon Tensley to join Capital Bs national team as politics reporter, Upstate student works to start relief effort for Turkey earthquake victims. Last year, Ben Claes, owner of Jireh Property Services in Taylors, was cleaning a lawn down the street from Koehlers house after a snowstorm and noticed large tracks on the ground. Andrew Moore of theGreenville Journalpens a story about alleged mountain lion sightings in South Carolina. However, bobcats are extremely small, ranging between 1025 pounds. Experts are adamant that there are no big cats in South Carolina, which they say can be confirmed because there is no roadkill or dead animals. Tina Underwood, Contributing Writer, Last updated Cougars are known to have a long-range, especially males. So what IS out there that these folks are seeing? But some residents, including Koehler, are already taking precautions. But they aren't true . The eastern cougar, however, was declared extinct in 2011. They just stick to the shadows. Fortunately, a mountain lion hasnt escaped captivity for more than a decade in South Carolina,according to Butfiloski. Well probably see younger males pop up here and there in the remote areas of the mountains. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Could not stop to look at it because I had traffic behind me. In South Carolina, this often leads to them eating smaller deer, rabbits, and rats. In fact, the bobcat is the only native wild cat found in South Carolina today. Visit his Web site at www.historyslostmoments.com. 5 Reasons for This Behavior. Sign up for our e-newsletters or subscribe to get our print publications. Use anything at your disposal: a stick, rock, or better yet, bear spray. 26 Sep 16. . Since there is no melanistic, or black, phase to the cougar, Florida or Western, that is actually not genetically possible, he said. The Canadian Wildlife Service has taken no position on the taxonomy.

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