10 Signs a Mountain Lion Could Be Near You in Missouri

One of the most common wildlife things I hear from my fellow Missourians are claims that mountain lions are nearby. State officials claim that isn't often the case, but there are many signs you can look for that indicate one of these big cats might be nearby.

Here's something key to understand. Just one of these signs does not necessarily mean a mountain lion is nearby. However, if you notice several of them concurrently (especially the last one), that's when it's important to pay attention to your surroundings. US Fish and Wildlife and the Missouri Department of Conservation provide helpful information about signs you can look for that might mean a mountain lion is traveling through your area.

What should you do if you believe a mountain lion is nearby?

If you find tracks, you can contact the Missouri Department of Conservation. They can check trail cam footage and have other methods to investigate potential mountain lion sightings. I've heard many anecdotal stories from friends that claim state officials have not taken their reports seriously. I don't know about that, but I have heard that MDOC has a very deliberate process they follow before they will confirm a mountain lion sighting. I don't doubt there are some misidentifications by residents, but I also know there are many experienced outdoorsmen that I know and respect who swear they've encountered mountain lions and their reports were never confirmed.

Mountain lions make sounds you would not expect

I think most imagine mountain lion screams as a way to identify if they're present in the woods. The truth is these big cats have many ways to communicate. Female mountain lions with cubs make a chirping sound. Two mountain lions trying to locate each other let out a brief screech. You can't rely on sounds to know if a mountain lion is passing through your part of Missouri as most are completely silent if they are aware they're near people.

I don't want to sound like a politician, but I believe both the Missouri Department of Conservation and many people in the state that say they've seen mountain lions are right. I think the state authorities know what they're talking about when they say there's no evidence that mountain lions have native habitats in Missouri where there are cubs and reproducing populations. However, I think there are MANY more solitary mountain lions traveling across the wooded areas of Missouri than the state is willing to admit.