How to Identify Mountain Lion in Indiana
No, you cannot identify wild mountain lions in Indiana because they no longer inhabit the state. Mountain lions were extirpated from Indiana by the mid-1800s and have not established a breeding population since. To identify a mountain lion, you would look for a very large, tawny cat with a long tail that often reaches the ground. In Indiana, any large wild cat you see is almost certainly a bobcat, which is much smaller and has a short, stubby tail.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of mountain lion have been logged in Indiana, 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 Indiana because they no longer inhabit the state. Mountain lions were extirpated from Indiana by the mid-1800s and have not established a breeding population since. To identify a mountain lion, you would look for a very large, tawny cat with a long tail that often reaches the ground. In Indiana, any large wild cat you see is almost certainly a bobcat, which is much smaller and has a 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 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 and prominent tufts of fur on their ears that mountain lions lack.
Are there mountain lions in Indiana?
No, there are no established wild mountain lion populations in Indiana today. The species was extirpated nearly two centuries ago. While extremely rare 'vagrant' individuals 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 or bobcats seen in low light.
Can you identify mountain lion tracks in Indiana?
Mountain lion tracks are very large, usually over 3 inches in diameter, and have four toes with no visible claw marks. However, in Indiana, large tracks are almost always from large domestic dogs. Bobcat tracks are similar in shape but are much smaller, typically around 2 inches wide. Without clear physical evidence, tracks alone are rarely enough to confirm a sighting.
Why are there so many mountain lion reports in IN?
Misidentification is very common, especially at a distance or in heavy cover. The bobcat population in Indiana has grown, 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. Indiana's wildlife officials investigate these reports but find very few confirmed cases.
What should you do if you see a large cat in IN?
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 Indiana, 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 native and increasingly common.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for mountain lion (Cougar, Puma concolor), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Indiana | 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 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 and prominent tufts of fur on their ears that mountain lions lack.
Are there mountain lions in Indiana?+
No, there are no established wild mountain lion populations in Indiana today. The species was extirpated nearly two centuries ago. While extremely rare 'vagrant' individuals 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 or bobcats seen in low light.
Can you identify mountain lion tracks in Indiana?+
Mountain lion tracks are very large, usually over 3 inches in diameter, and have four toes with no visible claw marks. However, in Indiana, large tracks are almost always from large domestic dogs. Bobcat tracks are similar in shape but are much smaller, typically around 2 inches wide. Without clear physical evidence, tracks alone are rarely enough to confirm a sighting.
Why are there so many mountain lion reports in IN?+
Misidentification is very common, especially at a distance or in heavy cover. The bobcat population in Indiana has grown, 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. Indiana's wildlife officials investigate these reports but find very few confirmed cases.
What should you do if you see a large cat in IN?+
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 Indiana, 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 native and increasingly common.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Indiana