MISSOURI — The Missouri Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed five new mountain lion sightings in the state this year, four of them since early September.
Mountain lions are a protected species in Missouri and are considered rare. The MDC said there is “no evidence of a breeding population” in the state and sightings are often scattered.
According to the MDC, the following mountain lion sightings were confirmed via photo or video this year:
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March 6, 2025 – Putnam County
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September 19, 2025 – Andrew County
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September 22, 2025 – Buchanan County
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October 15, 2025 – Scotland County
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October 24, 2025 – Saline County
All five sightings occurred north of the Interstate 70 corridor: two in the northwest, two in north-central Missouri and one in the northeast.
Since first tracking confirmed encounters in 1994, MDC has confirmed 128 mountain lion sightings statewide.
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This year’s total number of sightings is consistent with last year’s and close to the long-term average (since 1994) of 4.2 sightings per year. By comparison, 2023 saw a record 14 confirmed sightings, three of which occurred in Franklin County near St. Louis.
According to the MDC, the highest concentration of historical sightings is believed to be in southern Missouri, specifically in Shannon and Texas counties near the Rocky Creek Reservation. A total of 25 sightings were confirmed in the two counties.
The MDC describes mountain lions as ambush predators characterized by their large size, uniform tawny color, long cylindrical tail with a black tip, and small, rounded ears (not tufted).
Although considered rare, mountain lions can help stabilize ecosystems by controlling herbivore populations, reducing invasive species, and increasing soil fertility and biodiversity.
If you see a mountain lion from a distance, conservationists urge you to remain calm, keep your distance, back up slowly and report the sighting to MDC, and only take photos or videos when it is safe to do so.
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