How to Identify Mountain Lion in Illinois
No, you cannot identify wild mountain lions in Illinois because they were completely eliminated from the state by the mid-1800s. While there are frequent reports of sightings, these are almost always cases of misidentification. To identify a mountain lion, you would look for a very large, tawny cat with a tail that is nearly as long as its body. In Illinois, any large wild cat you see is almost certainly a bobcat, which is much smaller and has a very short, stubby tail.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself.
- 1
- species recorded
- October
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 1 verified observations on iNaturalist of mountain lion have been logged in Illinois, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
No, you cannot identify wild mountain lions in Illinois because they were completely eliminated from the state by the mid-1800s. While there are frequent reports of sightings, these are almost always cases of misidentification. To identify a mountain lion, you would look for a very large, tawny cat with a tail that is nearly as long as its body. In Illinois, any large wild cat you see is almost certainly a bobcat, which is much smaller and has a very short, stubby tail.
What does a mountain lion look like?
A mountain lion is a powerful, large-bodied cat with a uniform coat that ranges from tan to grayish-brown. They lack the spots and stripes found on many other cats. Their most defining feature is a long, heavy tail with a black tip that often reaches the ground. Their ears are rounded and their face has a somewhat small, refined appearance for such a large predator.
How to tell a mountain lion from a bobcat?
The tail is the most reliable way to tell them apart. Mountain lions have long tails, while bobcats have short 'bobbed' tails. Mountain lions are also much larger, weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, while bobcats rarely exceed 35 pounds. Bobcats also have visible spots, especially on their legs, and prominent tufts of fur on their ears that mountain lions lack.
Are there mountain lions in Illinois?
No, there is no breeding population of wild mountain lions in Illinois. The species was extirpated nearly two centuries ago. While extremely rare 'vagrant' males from western states have been confirmed passing through the state, they do not stay or establish territories. Most sightings reported by the public are actually large dogs, coyotes, or bobcats seen in low light.
Can you identify mountain lion tracks in IL?
Mountain lion tracks are very large, usually over 3 inches in diameter, and have four toes with no visible claw marks. However, in Illinois, large tracks are almost always from large domestic dogs. Bobcat tracks are similar in shape to a mountain lion's but are much smaller, typically around 2 inches wide. Without a clear photo or physical evidence, tracks alone are rarely enough to confirm a mountain lion in the state.
Why are there so many mountain lion reports in IL?
Misidentification is very common, especially at a distance or in heavy cover. The bobcat population in Illinois has grown significantly, leading to more encounters with large cats. Additionally, the desire to see a rare predator can lead people to mistake common animals for mountain lions. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources investigates these reports but finds very few confirmed cases.
What should you do if you see a large cat in IL?
If you see a large wild cat, try to stay calm and observe the length of its tail and any markings on its fur. If possible, take a clear photo or video. In Illinois, you should report any unusual sightings to the Department of Natural Resources, but keep in mind that the animal is almost certainly a bobcat, which is a native and increasingly common species in the state.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for mountain lion (Cougar, Puma concolor), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Illinois | SX | Presumed Extirpated |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Frequently asked questions
What does a mountain lion look like?+
A mountain lion is a powerful, large-bodied cat with a uniform coat that ranges from tan to grayish-brown. They lack the spots and stripes found on many other cats. Their most defining feature is a long, heavy tail with a black tip that often reaches the ground. Their ears are rounded and their face has a somewhat small, refined appearance for such a large predator.
How to tell a mountain lion from a bobcat?+
The tail is the most reliable way to tell them apart. Mountain lions have long tails, while bobcats have short 'bobbed' tails. Mountain lions are also much larger, weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, while bobcats rarely exceed 35 pounds. Bobcats also have visible spots, especially on their legs, and prominent tufts of fur on their ears that mountain lions lack.
Are there mountain lions in Illinois?+
No, there is no breeding population of wild mountain lions in Illinois. The species was extirpated nearly two centuries ago. While extremely rare 'vagrant' males from western states have been confirmed passing through the state, they do not stay or establish territories. Most sightings reported by the public are actually large dogs, coyotes, or bobcats seen in low light.
Can you identify mountain lion tracks in IL?+
Mountain lion tracks are very large, usually over 3 inches in diameter, and have four toes with no visible claw marks. However, in Illinois, large tracks are almost always from large domestic dogs. Bobcat tracks are similar in shape to a mountain lion's but are much smaller, typically around 2 inches wide. Without a clear photo or physical evidence, tracks alone are rarely enough to confirm a mountain lion in the state.
Why are there so many mountain lion reports in IL?+
Misidentification is very common, especially at a distance or in heavy cover. The bobcat population in Illinois has grown significantly, leading to more encounters with large cats. Additionally, the desire to see a rare predator can lead people to mistake common animals for mountain lions. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources investigates these reports but finds very few confirmed cases.
What should you do if you see a large cat in IL?+
If you see a large wild cat, try to stay calm and observe the length of its tail and any markings on its fur. If possible, take a clear photo or video. In Illinois, you should report any unusual sightings to the Department of Natural Resources, but keep in mind that the animal is almost certainly a bobcat, which is a native and increasingly common species in the state.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Illinois