2019 mountain lion in Pennsylvania / definitive proof Joe and Angelika Kelley 12 subscribers Subscribe 17K views 3 years ago When something digs up your Home Pennsylvania Opinion Search for cougarscontinues in Pennsylvania, I know Im not the only one who nearly goes stir-crazy from winter, and Im raring to go on my, When my phone vibrated in my pocket, I had a feeling it was my buddy and that he was going, As the Minnesota DNR prepares for its spring aerial waterfowl survey in early May, waterfowl officials throughout the Upper Midwest. The agency is focused on putting wildlife first, improving wildlife habitat, following sound business practices, serving the Pennsylvania public and improving support for hunting and trapping. It would be difficult for a mountain lion to avoid detection. Isnt trapping inhumane and indiscriminate? "So the mystery goes on," says Gary San Julian, professor of wildlife resources in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Estimates place the mountain lion population in Idaho to be around 2,ooo. In an effort to simplify and modernize how Pennsylvania hunters apply for their antlerless deer licenses, the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee passed Senate Bill 431, which would allow for the sale of the licenses at any issuing agent in the state, as well as online. Click here for step-by-step instructions about how to purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license. He occasionally inspects "scat" suspected of being left by a mountain lion, and closely examines the animal excrement for food sources, hairs or other clues. What is the Game Commission doing to manage CWD? Since 1895, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has worked to manage and protect wildlife and their habitats while promoting hunting and trapping for current and future generations. That does not mean that the agency does not care and that we will not follow up with the information provided. EDITORS: Gary San Julian can be reached at 814-863-0401. In 2017 the population was estimated between 120-230 panthers. Only bring low-risk parts back to Pennsylvania or out of a DMA or Established Area; 7. Click here for ways to be ELK SMART. By requiring the tag in an ear, the antlers can be removed, but the deer head, at a minimum, and carcass remain identifiable. Oregon has quite a healthy population of mountain lions, estimated to be over 6,000. Initially, the purpose of pheasant stocking was to help establish self-sustaining populations. For mentored hunters ages 7 and older, the permit includes antlered deer, fall turkey and spring turkey harvest tags. Over the years, there even have been a few mountain lions documented in central Oklahoma. "Over the years, I've received a number of cougar reports, some pretty factual, such as a partly devoured calf left up in a tree, but nobody has ever provided clear proof. A map of these managed dove fields is available online. We do not currently know the effects of disease turkey populations. This is the fourteenth confirmed cougar observation in 2020. The board also prohibited the use of rifles in the fall season to potentially further reduce the harvest by 20 percent, statewide. As of 2019 the population in Pine Ridge was estimated at 34. Predominantly staying out of Call the Pennsylvania Game Commission region office that serves the county in question for the best local, on-the-ground, information and faster response times. Through rigorous scientific process, biologists manage and track population trends and harvest very closely each year to inform management decisions while game wardens work tirelessly to enforce the laws and regulations on trapping. Many animals have a breeding season and only breed during certain parts of the year. Click here for more information about HuntFishPA. The mountain lion population in New Hampshire is considered to be zero. Currently, due to the lesser effectiveness of the flintlock rifle and the relatively few deer harvested by flintlock hunters, allowing them to use their unused buck tag has not been an issue in meeting the agencys deer management goals. Bobcats are the only official populous and breeding big cats found in the state of Maryland. It is legal to use trail cameras on state game lands. Why stock pheasant that cant survive? If the tag were there, this critical data would be lost as the heads would be unidentifiable. The wild turkey feeds primarily on acorns, waste grain, insects and grasses, which are unlikely to be depleted at the same time. What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)? *Please note: While we try our best, we are not always able to respond to every inquiry. Animals infected with CWD may not show signs of infection for 12 or more months. Each hunting license comes with one fall turkey tag (and one spring tag), so we regulate fall harvest by season length. Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax, http://aginfo.psu.edu/news/august01/lion.tif. The affidavit must be completed, signed and notarized before it is returned to the address found on the form. License fees cannot be increased without approval of the General Assembly. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Learn more about Pennsylvania elk. 13 Different Owls in New Mexico (Pictures), 7 Types of Tarantulas in Texas (Pictures), Black Bear Population by State (Recent Reports), Deer Population by State (Estimates and Info), Hawks in Wyoming (9 Species With Pictures), 20 Interesting Facts About Burmese Pythons, 10 Types of Turtles in Michigan (With Pictures), 22 Types of Turtles in Alabama (Pictures), 9 Types of Turtles in Minnesota (Pictures), 14 Types of Turtles in Texas (With Pictures), 13 Types of Turtles in North Carolina (Pictures), 0, thought to be a few free-ranging cougars, 0, confirmed presence, no large population. Mid-level vegetation is often left standing, but is often top-killed by the fire, meaning the stem is dead but it will resprout from the roots. How do I report my snow goose harvest? Four mountain lion carcasses have been found between 2002-2019 and DNA testing shows they are likely cougars from South Dakota. Elk harvests should be reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commissions Elk Check Station, located at the Elk Country Visitors Center, located at 134 Homestead Drive, PA 15821, within 24 hours of the harvest. This change, to allow antlerless hunting throughout the season, is not intended to increase the antlerless harvest. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife In Nevada lions are found in areas of pinion pine, juniper, mountain mahogany, ponderosa pine and mountain brush. In many places, the habitat hasn't changed much in hundreds of years. The Game Commission often partners with organizations like the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Letterkenny Army Depot, and Fort Indiantown Gap, among others, which allows more burns to be accomplished across all lands. No. As of 2020 the state does not estimate population numbers, but rather looks at overall trends, and feels the population has been fairly stable. So it's possible that cougars survive. If Sundays were added to the legal waterfowl seasons, Pennsylvania waterfowl hunters would actually lose hunting opportunities. Despite reported sightings across Pennsylvania, including one in Berks County on January 8, and throughout the eastern U.S., the U.S. Contaminated carcasses or high-risk carcass parts which includes the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides may also spread the disease indirectly through environmental contamination, which lasts for years, if not decades. What are the benefits of having a concurrent antlered and antlerless deer hunting season? According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the state does not have a free-ranging wild cougar population. In Pennsylvania, one of the most important things that trapping provides is data and information used to help assess and make decisions on management of this suite of species. When wildlife is encouraged to come closer to humans they often lose their natural fear of people. Why should I care about trapping? You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. But there have been sightings. According to an article published by a local news outlet in August 2020, there had been six confirmed sightings from the Upper Peninsula in that year alone, bringing the total of confirmed cougar sightings since 2008 up to 55. Wildlife crimes affect everyone. Click here for full harvest reporting details. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is headquartered at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg, in Dauphin County. The agency employs more than 200 habitat management staff, which includes foresters and land managers, many of whom participate on burn crews as one of their many duties. The group heavily relies on Will the Game Commission refund the cost of my hunting and furtaker licenses if I cannot travel due to COVID-19-related restrictions? Bone out the meat from your animal; 3. Ask your butcher to process your meat individually, without meat from other animals, or process your own meat; 6. The one confirmed case, sometimes referred to as the Connecticut Mountain Lion happened in June 2011 when an SUV struck and killed a cougar in Milford. A permitted person taking a bobcat or fisher must report the harvest within 48 hours online at HuntFishPA or by phone at 1-800-838-4431. Colorado and California have the highest estimated populations of mountain lions in the United States. Who conducts burns on State Game Lands? Pennsylvanias management plan and seasons are not, and should not, be the same as other states, again, to ensure long-term sustainability of the wild turkey population. Its the success of these nests that dictate the future of the turkey population. Mature trees are left standing and are typically not impacted by the fire, (unless that is the desired effect). Natural food sources can be low this time of year, so bears are more likely to help themselves to food that is easily accessible. Feeding also promotes the spread of infectious diseases by having them unnaturally congregate into small areas. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. How do I report suspected wildlife crimes? At present they are only found around the Caloosahatchee River / southwest of lake Okeechobee in southern Florida. Thank you for your interest in Pennsylvania wildlife. Only two potential incidents have been confirmed, and both involved finding evidence of mountain lions, not the mountain lions themselves. Officially, the bobcat is the only large cat that calls New Jersey its home, no mountain lions. The elk rut is triggered by photoperiod (day length) and generally begins around the middle of September and carries through early- to mid-October. All rights reserved. Kansas is another central U.S. state where there is no established breeding population, but a few mountain lions have been seen over the years. Why are rifles being banned for fall turkey hunting in the 2021 season? If you took a hunter or trapper education course before the above dates, you must complete a Hunter Education Program Replacement Certificate Affidavit (PDF) form, which can be downloaded from this site. Yes. Washington is home to approximately 1,500 mountain lions. Why are prescribed fires good? What species can a mentored hunter hunt? This allows many hens to be bred, even when a much lower number of gobblers than hens exists, ensuring an adequate hatch to sustain the population. Being the isolated chain of islands that it is, Hawaii is not home to any mountain lions, or any larger mammals for that matter. If you see a deer or elk displaying symptoms of CWD, report it to the appropriate Game Commission region office. Pennsylvania State law specifies that license fees are non-refundable and therefore the Pennsylvania Game Commission does not have the authority to issue a refund. Note that many of these states have had sightings over the years, and continue to have them, but that doesnt necessarily constitute a population in the state. Although it is beneficial to provide contact information in case game wardens have follow-up questions, callers may remain confidential. View our annual reports, which include the Game Fund Revenues, Expenditures and Reserve Funds. *Please note: Since the Game Commission does not receive funding from the state budget, the agency must maintain a healthy reserve fund balance to continue to operate and fund long-term infrastructure projects. However, jakes have high probability of natural survival to the next year. Supplemental feeding is not necessary to sustain wildlife populations. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted in April 2021 to prohibit the use of centerfire rimfire rifles and handguns during the fall turkey season in response to concerns about spring harvest density being below goal in 15 of the states 23 Wildlife Management Units. Reducing the fall season in some WMUs and prohibiting rifles should allow turkey populations to reach harvest density goals without further decreasing season lengths in the future. To learn more about this action, and for an update on the status of turkey management in the Commonwealth, please review the wild turkey biologist's January 2021 report to the board. Open Records Officer: Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue; Harrisburg PA 17110-9797, 717-787-4250, pgcrtk@pa.gov. The wild pheasants are monitored by Game Commission wildlife biologists to determine survival and population numbers using radio telemetry, crowing counts, brood surveys and flushing surveys. Wet springs are associated with greater potential for predation of nests and hens may be more prone to abandon nests in wet weather. But please note that it is unlawful to put food out around the camera to attract wildlife to the area. Those wishing to purchase a hunting license can do so in-person at one of these License Issuing Agents. And it likely will result in the collateral benefit of increasing harvest reporting. "We have lots of remote areas where people seldom go," he says, "and our high deer population would offer them bountiful food. As wild animals are fed, they become used to the presence of people. Wildlife diseases are usually transferred from animal to animal by nose-to-nose contact, saliva, feces and urine. During the fall season any turkey can be harvested because jakes, young males, are difficult to distinguish from females this time of year. With proper management, trapping allows for sustainable use of this valuable wildlife resource. Crews are highly trained and qualified to light fires in a way that allows wildlife to escape, often with crew members walking through units before and during burns to ensure the area is clear of wildlife. Thank you in advance for helping to protect Pennsylvania wildlife. If you receive a call at home or a call on your cell phone, please consider participating in the study to assist the Commission. The state classed mountain lions as endangered in 1972 and banned all hunting of them. In the interest of gathering credible mountain lion sightings when mountain lions actually arrive in the east the research team here at eMammal has put together a At headquarters, there is an executive staff and seven bureaus: Wildlife Habitat Management, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Protection, Administrative Services, Marketing and Strategic Communications, Information and Education and Automated Technology Services. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is an independent state agency and receives no General Fund money from the state's annual budget. Additionally, in Pennsylvanias Disease Management Areas, hunters who wish to have their deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease must place the head of their deer with the harvest tag attached to the head to place it in the head collection bin. No. The most direct way to report an instance of a suspected sick, injured or nuisance wild animal is to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Region Office that serves the county in which the animal is located. How can I tell if an animal has CWD? Be familiar with the regulations and guidelines for the transportation of harvested game where you are hunting; 2. Whatever their color, it remains uniform across their body with no spots, stripes or patterns. *Please note: Junior hunters, ages 12 and 13, must be accompanied by an adult member of their family, (at least 18 years of age), or by an adult serving in the place of a parent. This is critical for collecting antlered harvest data. pgccomments@pa.gov. The current estimate is 2,000 2,700 throughout Arizona. How is the Pennsylvania Game Commission organized? The gobbler population in a given area is directly related to the reproductive success of hens in the population. In an effort to expand hunting opportunities, in 2021, Sunday hunting is only open on the following dates for the following species. Just like their neighbor Virginia, there is no breeding population of mountain lions in West Virginia. Many experts believe with the high deer population (cougars favorite prey animal) that mountain lions could begin to make a comeback in their historic eastern range, given enough available habitat. Mountain lions are very adaptable to different types of environments, which is why they are so widespread across North and South America. According to the state wildlife division, there have only been 3 credible mountain lion sightings in the last 25 years. Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education courses take place across the state throughout the year. Pennsylvania Game Commission spokesman Jerry Feaser notes that his agency agrees with San Julian. After hearing of alleged sightings over the years -- sketchy reports of rural folks listening to big cat screams in the night, inconclusive paw prints, photos and videos that never materialized and the occasional unexplained livestock killing -- a cougar carcass was supposed to be delivered to university wildlife experts for necropsy. Support increased financial assistance for wildlife and agricultural agencies to combat CWD. There are no known mountain lions in North Carolina. "We have seen zero credible evidence about mountain lions in Pennsylvania," states co-founder Mark Dowling flat out. Where can I find bear harvest data? adroll_version = "2.0"; Mountain lions are mostly found in parts of west and south Texas, Radke said. Read more about Massachusetts findings on mountain lions here. Is the Pennsylvania Game Commission funded by tax dollars? Those interested in submitting their thoughts and opinions on an issue related to hunting and wildlife in the state are encouraged to email the agency at The agency is always faced with the challenge of providing as many hunting opportunities as possible, while ensuring the wildlife resource is managed sustainably. You can also call the Game Commission's replacement card fulfillment center at 1-800-830-2268 for assistance in obtaining a replacement certificate. Yet even with these precautions, there are rare instances when animals and/or their nests may get burned. Those altered prions kill brain cells and ultimately lead to tiny holes in the brains of infected animals. Click here to learn more. Not only is it illegal to feed elk in Pennsylvania, but it teaches them to associate people, cars and/or homes with food. Like most New England states there are always sightings, but currently no confirmations. A reproducing population of endangered cougars lives in the Everglades, known as the "Florida panthers," and the big cats are so numerous in a number of western states that hunting seasons are allowed. Can I use trail cameras on state game lands? Because turkeys eat a variety of foods, large populations won't damage their habitat. The cougar is also commonly known as mountain lion, Mentored hunters are not required to take a Hunter-Trapper Education class before obtaining a permit to hunt through the program. How do I report a road-killed deer? Most general and add-on licenses are available on HuntFishPA. A game warden can prove that an attempt to tag the animal was made based on the evidence of a hole in the ear. With lots of hens breeding in the spring, turkey populations can rise quickly. American Marten Reintroduction Feasibility Assessment, Marten Reintroduction Feasibility Assessment, Click here to learn more about our agency and its history, Click here for more information about the agency, Click here for more about regulations related to the Right-to-Know law, Click here for step-by-step instructions about how to purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license, lick here for more information about HuntFishPA, Game Commission office that serves your county, contact your state representative and state senator, Click here for full harvest reporting details, lick here for full harvest reporting details, Pennsylvania Game Commission Region Office, Pennsylvania Game Commissions Operation Game Thief program, Pennsylvania Game Commission region office, Pennsylvanias online Hunter-Trapper Education course, report it to the Game Commission region office, Learn more about elk history in Pennsylvania, Click here for a brief synopsis of the zones, Check out the Elk Viewing Guide and Elk Scenic Drive Map from the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau, Click here to read the Pennsylvania Game Code, Click here to learn more about deer warts, please review the wild turkey biologist's January 2021 report to the board, Click here to read more about state game lands regulations, The Game Commission maintains a public map that shows where prescribed burns are being planned, Click here to learn more about CWD in Pennsylvania, https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/CWDResultsLookup, Refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Healths precautionary recommendations for outdoor recreation, Special Requests to Use State Game Lands Information, Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). After an unfortunate past of over hunting, Montanas mountain lion population has made a comeback. This is a question that resounds with many Pennsylvanians whether they are outdoor enthusiasts or not. The board approved staffs recommendation to shorten the fall seasons in 15 WMUs as its standard method of targeting hen harvest reductions in specific units. The most popular time of year to view elk is during the rut, which typically begins in September and carries through October. Those wishing to complete the course, who are 11 years and older, have the option to complete it online. Users must realize that these decisions are highly weather dependent and therefore cannot be made more than a few days in advance. The agencys goal is to maintain proper wild turkey management strategies while providing maximum hunting opportunities. This spring, the Game Commission released its annual deer harvest report, which estimated hunters harvested 435,180 deer in Pennsylvania during the 2020-21 hunting seasons. Migratory game bird hunters are encouraged to report banded ducks, geese, doves and woodcock they harvest online at www.reportband.gov. Although mourning doves are considered a migratory game bird species, many of the doves we have in Pennsylvania reside here throughout the winter and provide an excellent opportunity late into the season. To learn more about lion country in Colorado check here. The best time of day to view elk is in the mornings and evenings. Previous Game Commission research has shown that reducing the fall season by one week allows more hens to survive to spring and reproduce. WebDespite reported mountain lion and black panther sightings, according to the Pennsylvania game commission, the only species of native wildcats that live in the state are (Lynx rufus) or bobcats. There may well be a mountain lion out there that has been illegally released.". During the 1990s turkeys exhibited rapid population expansion facilitated by a combination of: restoration (trap & transfer), suppressed predator populations (much more trapping than today and rabies was more evident), more controlled hunting seasons, and habitat availability. The slate of deer seasons approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners for the 2021-22 license year allows for statewide concurrent hunting for antlered and antlerless deer through the duration of the firearms deer seasons in all Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Some believe the Florida panther has traveled up to South Carolina but there is currently no evidence of that. We will get through this pandemic together and the Game Commission appreciates the publics compliance and support. Estimates seem to fluctuate but the most recent I could find approximates about 2,000 mountain lions.
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