Are There Mountain Lions in Missouri?

Mountain lions were systematically hunted to extinction across eastern North America in the 1800s and early 1900s as settlers cleared forests and eliminated large predators. Missouri lost its mountain lion population during this era and has not seen a reestablished breeding population since. The species survived only in remote areas of the Rocky Mountains, southwestern deserts, and parts of Florida. In recent decades, mountain lions have begun a slow eastward expansion from the Great Plains as western populations recover and expand their range, but this colonization has not yet reached Missouri with any regularity.

Mountain lions from the western population expansion are occasionally documented in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska as they push eastward, but confirmed sightings in Missouri remain vanishingly rare. When individual mountain lions do appear east of their core range, they are typically young males dispersing in search of new territory. These are transient vagrants, not evidence of an establishing population. Wildlife officials in Missouri have not documented evidence of breeding mountain lions in the state, and sightings are so uncommon they would be notable news if verified.

While mountain lions are absent, Missouri is home to black bears, coyotes, and bobcats, all of which have established populations in the state. Black bears have made a particularly strong comeback in the Ozark region in recent decades and are increasingly sighted. Bobcats are present but elusive, preferring forests and brush. Coyotes are the most common large predator and are heard and seen throughout the state. For detailed information on bears, bobcats, and other Missouri wildlife, visit our wildlife guide for Missouri.

The extremely small number of verified mountain lion sightings in Missouri (fewer than a handful in the past decades) is not evidence of a breeding population establishing itself. Most documentation efforts by state wildlife agencies, trail camera networks, and research programs have found no breeding signs, and sightings remain anecdotal. While the species is gradually expanding eastward from the plains, Missouri is not yet a consistent part of their range, and any observations are likely to remain rare vagrants for the foreseeable future.

Unless you have definitive photographic or physical evidence, a sighting likely represents a different animal. Black bears, large coyotes, or even a dog can be misidentified as a mountain lion, especially in poor light or at a distance. Bobcats are sometimes mistaken for mountain lions by those unfamiliar with their size. If you believe you have observed a mountain lion in Missouri, report it to the Missouri Department of Conservation with as much detail as possible, including photos or video, so wildlife officials can verify and document it.

The remote possibility of encountering a mountain lion in Missouri should not significantly change how you enjoy the outdoors. If you ever see a large cat you believe to be a mountain lion, remain calm, do not run, and slowly back away while facing the animal. Make yourself appear large by raising your arms, and speak in a calm, firm voice. Contact local wildlife authorities immediately to report the sighting. Mountain lions typically avoid humans and will flee if given the opportunity, but any encounter should be reported to confirm the sighting and track population movements.