MOUNTAIN LIONS IN IOWA

1 LIONS have been present since settlement, between political and failed both times. This effort, 85% and 95% are considered mistaken identity. In however, does need to be explored and pursued MOUNTAIN LIONS . Iowa, it is likely that over 95% of the reports are further within the constraints and limits of the mistaken identity. Usually MOUNTAIN LIONS are tolerance of human kind. Besides the possibility of IN IOWA. mistaken for yellow lab or shepherd dogs, bobcats, MOUNTAIN LIONS dispersing from western and feral house cats or deer. Many reports occur at southern states, there are privately owned (Felis concolor). night, in very poor lighting conditions, poor MOUNTAIN LIONS that could have either escaped or weather conditions or at very far distances been released.

2 In order to have a privately owned MOUNTAIN lion, a permit must be obtained from the State Dept. of Agriculture. Several states bordering Iowa have also reported the same scenario. CURRENT STATUS OF MOUNTAIN LIONS IN CONTACTS FOR REPORTING MOUNTAIN LION. MDOC. IOWA SIGHTINGS. MOUNTAIN LIONS have no legal wildlife status in Iowa. That means that they can be taken and Even though Iowa Code does not list the MOUNTAIN possessed by anyone at anytime as long as legal lion or black bear as designated wildlife, the Iowa methods and means are used to take the animal. Department of Natural Resources is the logical MOUNTAIN LIONS and black bears are not listed in the agency to report killed MOUNTAIN LIONS .

3 It is very Iowa Code as designated wildlife species, valuable to the DNR to collect as much scientific because they were extirpated before fish and data from any dead MOUNTAIN lion that turn up in game legislation became prominent. The pioneers the state. If a MOUNTAIN report can be Lowell Washburn did not see their presence of any value to their substantiated with strong evidence (video, photo, own way of life, so basically persecution by photo of track or DNA material), the DNR should humans brought their demise. In the late 1990's, Bobcats are often mistaken for their larger also be contacted. Information on where to contact the DNR began to receive several reports of MOUNTAIN lion relatives.

4 They share many physical your local DNR personnel can be found via the MOUNTAIN LIONS in the state. and behavioral traits. The MOUNTAIN lion have a Iowa DNR website at or via the The DNA results of the first 3 dead long tail (2 -3 feet), while the bobcat have a short telephone information directory. It is important MOUNTAIN LIONS , as well as the lack of worn claws tail (less than 10 inches). Bobcats are 3 feet in that the DNR obtain as much information as or broken teeth, indicates that all 3 dead animals length, while adult male MOUNTAIN LIONS are 7-9 possible to further manage the possible presence in Iowa are of wild western origin.

5 Numerous other feet. MOUNTAIN LIONS weigh 90-160 pounds, while of MOUNTAIN LIONS in the state. Before we visit the fake photos of so called Iowa MOUNTAIN LIONS are bobcats weigh 20-30 pounds. Bobcats tend to be site, we do try to validate the observation with Vince Evelsizer (Furbearer Biologist). circulating the internet. We have also had several, darker brown, with lighter belly fur and spots while telephone conservations. Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources what appear to be MOUNTAIN lion tracks in the MOUNTAIN LIONS tend to be a more uniform brown, 1203 North Shore Drive state. Over 1,500 MOUNTAIN LIONS have been tawny color. Although difficult to see at a distance, Clear Lake, IA 50428.

6 Reported to DNR personnel since 2000 but most bobcats have tufts on their ears and facial cheeks. Office (641) 357-3517. have no substantial evidence to back them up. Yellow Labrador and German Shepherd dogs Numerous additional sightings have been have different physical features with less massive reported, but are not mapped because of less than shoulders and hindquarters, a longer furred non- credible information. Strong evidence consists of cylindrical tail, with longer fur over the rest of the a photo or video of the animal, photo of its track, a body. Two legislative efforts have been made to scat or animal dropping, or some sort of DNA place the MOUNTAIN lion and black bear in the Iowa evidence.

7 In the western states, where MOUNTAIN code as designated wildlife species, but in an agricultural state like Iowa, it soon became very HISTORY and kits have brown spots on a buff color. Adults will rarely happen in Iowa, because there are so MOUNTAIN LIONS are often times referred to as are very capable of swimming. MOUNTAIN LIONS can few animals in the state) the following is cougars, pumas, panthers, painters, and readily climb trees to escape dogs or obtain food. recommended: catamounts. They are the largest of three wildcats Female home ranges average 90 square miles 1) DON'T RUN! Running will stimulate certain historically documented in Iowa.

8 The lynx and the while male home ranges average 300 square animals to chase you (like a dog that wants to bobcat are the other two. The MOUNTAIN lion miles. Longevity is 12-20 years, but only a few live bite you, especially if you run). probably occurred throughout the state, but longer than 12 years. MOUNTAIN LIONS have an 2) Stand tall, look big, puff up, and lift your nowhere in great numbers. The last historical interesting social hierarchy. Dominant males have coat over your shoulders. record of a MOUNTAIN lion in Iowa appears to be their harem of females and occasionally young 3) Take control of the situation. Scream loudly, near Cincinnati, Iowa in Appanoose County where males will challenge the dominant male for throw objects.

9 One was shot in 1867. females. The younger males usually are forced 4) Gather children in close and slowly back out and leave the area, basically becoming away keeping your eye of the animal. nomads of the landscape, most likely searching for 5) If attacked, fight back vigorously with sharp the presence of females. MOUNTAIN LIONS can objects and poke the eyes of the animal. move several hundred miles in a very short period of time. ALTHOUGH RUMORS WILL CONTINUE, Urban sprawl into MOUNTAIN lion country in the BE ASSURED, THE IOWA DNR HAS NOT west has caused more human encounters with RELEASED MOUNTAIN LIONS IN IOWA AND MOUNTAIN LIONS .

10 People in the western states that HAVE NO INTENTION OF DOING SO. have been attacked are usually unaware of 2 4 . MOUNTAIN lion presence and are usually cross- FOOD HABITS country skiing, jogging, or biking. Again the animal 4 . MOUNTAIN LIONS favorite food items are small is probably surprised by the presence of these mammals and deer. Like all predators they are folks and the fast movement away from the opportunists and will also take any small mammals MOUNTAIN lion stimulates the animal to chase the or birds. They rarely take livestock. They are fast moving person and sometimes attack. ambush predators, taking large prey by a bite on the back of the neck or throat.