Types of Mountain Lion in Iowa
No, there are no wild mountain lion types living in Iowa today. Historically, the North American mountain lion was the only subspecies found in the state, but it was extirpated by the mid-1800s due to habitat loss and hunting. While mountain lions are still found in the western United States, they are officially considered extinct in the wild in Iowa. Any large feline types seen in the state today are almost exclusively the native bobcat, which has a stable and expanding population.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself.
- 1
- species recorded
- January
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 1 verified observations on iNaturalist of mountain lion have been logged in Iowa, 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, there are no wild mountain lion types living in Iowa today. Historically, the North American mountain lion was the only subspecies found in the state, but it was extirpated by the mid-1800s due to habitat loss and hunting. While mountain lions are still found in the western United States, they are officially considered extinct in the wild in Iowa. Any large feline types seen in the state today are almost exclusively the native bobcat, which has a stable and expanding population.
What kind of mountain lion used to live in Iowa?
The North American mountain lion, also known as the cougar or puma, was the only type native to Iowa. They were once the state's top predator, roaming from the western prairies to the eastern river bluffs. Unfortunately, they could not survive the rapid development of the state and were gone long before modern wildlife management practices were established.
Are there different species of cougars in North America?
While they are all one species, Puma concolor, there were once many regional subspecies recognized across North America. Today, scientists generally group them all into one single North American subspecies. Regardless of the name, cougar, mountain lion, or panther, none of these types currently have a resident population in the Iowa wilderness.
Can any mountain lion species return to Iowa?
It is highly unlikely that mountain lions will re-establish a population in Iowa in the near future. While young males from western states occasionally wander into the Midwest looking for new territory, the lack of large, connected wilderness areas in Iowa makes it difficult for them to find mates and settle. The state's landscape is now better suited for smaller predators like the bobcat.
How do mountain lion types differ from Iowa bobcats?
Mountain lions are a 'large cat' type, while bobcats are considered 'medium-sized.' A mountain lion is about four times the weight of a bobcat and has a completely different body shape, including a very long tail. Bobcats are the only wild cat type currently breeding in Iowa, and they are well-adapted to the state's mix of forests and agricultural land.
What is the closest wild mountain lion population to IA?
The nearest stable populations of mountain lions are in the Black Hills of South Dakota and the mountainous regions of Nebraska and Colorado. These western populations are the source of the rare 'vagrant' individuals that occasionally appear in the Midwest. While these cats can travel hundreds of miles, they are still far from establishing a new home in the Iowa landscape.
How many mountain lions are in Iowa today?
There are zero wild resident mountain lions in Iowa. Confirmed sightings of individual cats are extremely rare, occurring perhaps once every few years. These are always solitary animals passing through and do not represent a permanent population. Any mountain lions in the state are more likely to be found in accredited zoos or authorized wildlife sanctuaries.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for mountain lion (Cougar, Puma concolor), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Iowa | 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 kind of mountain lion used to live in Iowa?+
The North American mountain lion, also known as the cougar or puma, was the only type native to Iowa. They were once the state's top predator, roaming from the western prairies to the eastern river bluffs. Unfortunately, they could not survive the rapid development of the state and were gone long before modern wildlife management practices were established.
Are there different species of cougars in North America?+
While they are all one species, Puma concolor, there were once many regional subspecies recognized across North America. Today, scientists generally group them all into one single North American subspecies. Regardless of the name, cougar, mountain lion, or panther, none of these types currently have a resident population in the Iowa wilderness.
Can any mountain lion species return to Iowa?+
It is highly unlikely that mountain lions will re-establish a population in Iowa in the near future. While young males from western states occasionally wander into the Midwest looking for new territory, the lack of large, connected wilderness areas in Iowa makes it difficult for them to find mates and settle. The state's landscape is now better suited for smaller predators like the bobcat.
How do mountain lion types differ from Iowa bobcats?+
Mountain lions are a 'large cat' type, while bobcats are considered 'medium-sized.' A mountain lion is about four times the weight of a bobcat and has a completely different body shape, including a very long tail. Bobcats are the only wild cat type currently breeding in Iowa, and they are well-adapted to the state's mix of forests and agricultural land.
What is the closest wild mountain lion population to IA?+
The nearest stable populations of mountain lions are in the Black Hills of South Dakota and the mountainous regions of Nebraska and Colorado. These western populations are the source of the rare 'vagrant' individuals that occasionally appear in the Midwest. While these cats can travel hundreds of miles, they are still far from establishing a new home in the Iowa landscape.
How many mountain lions are in Iowa today?+
There are zero wild resident mountain lions in Iowa. Confirmed sightings of individual cats are extremely rare, occurring perhaps once every few years. These are always solitary animals passing through and do not represent a permanent population. Any mountain lions in the state are more likely to be found in accredited zoos or authorized wildlife sanctuaries.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Iowa