Missouri Could Become Mountain Lion Habitat Thanks to Oklahoma?

There's a new video that presents a very different theory about mountain lions in Missouri and how the state could become a natural habitat for these big cats. Instead of mountain lions traveling from the north through the state, the theory says Missouri could become a breeding habitat for mountain lions thanks to what's happening in Oklahoma.

This new video just appeared on my radar a few days ago. I know many in Missouri have very strong opinions about mountain lions, but I would challenge you to watch this with an open mind. The theory near the end is what I find most interesting.

Starting around the 11 minute mark of the video, they explore the fact that Missouri has only confirmed the presence of 2 female mountain lions over the past 25 years. One was in Shannon County, Missouri where authorities confirmed a female mountain lion had killed some elk. As their theory goes, the fact that Missouri has brought back the elk population means the state has given breeding mountain lions a "menu" for establishing a habitat here now.

What does Oklahoma have to do with mountain lions in Missouri?

It was 2 years ago in Osage County, Oklahoma that a female mountain lion with cubs was spotted heading in the direction of Missouri and they are not the only ones. They said that Oklahoma authorities believe this is evidence that mountain lions may be breeding in the state which would mean that continued migration to the northeast would bring female mountain lions and their cubs into Missouri where deer are plentiful and elk are present, too. There's no proof it's happened yet, but this trend could lead to Missouri finally having to deal with an active and growing mountain lion population that isn't simply traveling across the state, but making it their home.