Science Says Mountain Lions Could Make Missouri Roads Safer

Someone please alert the Missouri Department of Conservation that I have finally discovered a reason why the state should embrace mountain lions making a habitat in the state. Might also want to alert the Missouri Department of Transportation, too, as these big cats could make our state's roads safer and science proves it.

This is the apex predator that Missouri authorities say is not native to the state

Sam via Unsplash

Missouri Department of Conservation has 133 confirmed mountain lion sightings since 1994. They are quick to point out that, while mountain lions are sometimes spotted in Missouri, they are lone animals just traveling across the state and not making a habitat here. I have a new study that proves they should reconsider.

There is a new study by Current Biology that shows areas where mountain lions roam, drivers are 76% less likely to hit a deer with their vehicle. Wow. They also learned some other things. While Missouri deer collisions often happen at dusk or after dark, deer tended to shift their activity to daylight hours when mountain lions were  around. It's simple math, really. More mountain lions equal less deer which equals less chance at driver/deer collisions.

The scientists used trail cam data to keep track of where mountain lions were present and also monitored deer activity and road statistics in the areas to determine the impact that mountain lions had on overall driver safety. The takeaway? Missouri drivers need mountain lions. C'mon, state of Missouri authorities. MAKE IT HAPPEN.