2003 BREAKING NEWS
CREDIBILITY OF MICHIGAN COUGAR CLAIMS QUESTIONED
Woods-n-Water News, 12/16/03
Recent revelations from out of state experts invites a closer scrutiny of all claims made by the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy over the past two years.
ECN REVIEW OF KALKASKA COUNTY, MICHIGAN "COUGAR ATTACKS"
ECN News, 12/14/03
ECN has reviewed photographic evidence relating to alleged August 2002 "cougar attacks" on livestock in Kalkaska County, Michigan. After consulting with the MDNR and performing our own analysis of the circumstances and photographic evidence, ECN now believes it is unlikely that a cougar was involved.
DNA TESTING CONFIRMS COUGAR IN EASTERN KANSAS
The Lawrence Journal-World, 12/9/03
Results of a DNA analysis of scat found on Kansas University's West Campus were received today by the Kansas Biological Survey (KBS). The scat was retrieved on October 9 by KBS researchers Mark Jakubauskas and Kevin Dobbs. This is believed to be the first confirmation of a cougar in Kansas since 1904.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE POSTS "COUGAR WARNING" SIGNS IN MICHIGAN'S SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
Michigan Outdoor News, 11/28/03
The decision to erect signs warning of cougars at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was made independent of any outside agencies and is not meant to imply that wild cougars roam the state, a Sleeping Bear Dunes spokesman said.
ECN BOOK RECOMMENDATION - "THE BEAST IN THE GARDEN"
ECN 10/27/03
According to Harley Shaw, wildlife biologist and author of Soul Among Lions: The Cougar as Peaceful Adversary : "The Beast in the Garden is about far more than mountain lions. It is about unpredictable tragedy, the self-searching that follows, and the conflicts that arise among humans when attempting to coexist with wildlife. Anyone who cares about large predators and their future survival should read this book."
FIELD REPORT ON COUGAR SHOT AND KILLED IN NORTHWEST IOWA
ECN News, 10/25/03
Farmers shot and killed a 113 lb. male cougar in rural Sioux County, Iowa. Dr. James Mahaffey, a biology professor at Dordt College in Iowa, has provided ECN with the summary results of his investigation. Analysis of the carcass and stomach contents indicates probable wild origin.
COUGAR CAPTURED IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA
The Omaha World-Herald, 10/2/03
A 108 lb. male mountain lion made its way into a busy Omaha neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. Officials think the cat may live in a creek bed and didn't realize it had roamed further beyond the tree line than usual.
THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY OFFERS TO EVALUATE EVIDENCE OF COUGAR IN MICHIGAN
Michigan Chapter of The Wildlife Society Newsletter, Fall, 2003
"It has been brought to our attention that the evidence used to infer the occurrence of a viable population of mountain lions in Michigan is surrounded by skepticism. As President of The Michigan Chapter of The Wildlife Society, I offer the services and expertise of our organization to conduct a formal review of the available methodology, data, and interpretations associated with the mountain lion issue." Go to pages 3 & 4 of this document for details (PDF document, 246KB).
COUGARS ARE IN MISSOURI, BUT ARE DIFFICULT TO FIND, TRACK
Springfield News-Leader, 9/7/03
The latest reports of mountain lions in Missouri have come from north of the Missouri River at a time when reports of mountain lions in neighboring states to the north and west are increasing. Finding mountain lions near the Missouri River makes sense according to Dave Hamilton of the Missouri Deparment of Conservation. "I think that's the general consensus among biologists," he said. "When they've been wandering and moving long distances, a river corridor would provide a highway."
SOUTH DAKOTA GAME, FISH & PARKS DEPARTMENT PROVIDES NEW DATA
ECN News, 8/28/03
SDGF&P has provided ECN with five well documented incidents of cougar presence far to the east of the cat's known range in South Dakota. All occurred subsequent to October, 1998. Three were in the southeastern part of the state close to the Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska borders (in the counties Minnehaha, Charles Mix and Yankton).
HUNTER'S REMOTE CAMERA CAPTURES PICTURE OF COUGAR IN ARKANSAS
Democrat Arkansas Gazette, 8/21/03
"I've been hunting all my life and I'm 65", Scott said. "This is first time I've ever come across a mountain lion."
EXTENSIVE WINTER TRACK SURVEYS REVEAL NO EVIDENCE OF COUGARS IN MICHIGAN'S UP
ECN News, 8/18/03
The complete absence of track crossings of two species (lynx and cougar) highlights rarity or probable absence. No evidence of lynx or cougar have been found by this survey since its initiation in 1996, despite a distance of 2,471.7 km. surveyed.
COUGAR KILLED MONDAY IN MISSOURI NOT DOMESTICATED
KRCG.com, 8/14/03
State conservation officials now believe the male cougar that was hit by a car in Callaway County this week was not someone's pet.
COUGAR KILLED MONDAY IN MISSOURI
Kansas City Star, 8/13/03
Cougar killed Monday in Missouri is more proof big cats roam the state, experts say.
ECN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF CLAY NIELSEN AS DIRECTOR OF HABITAT RESEARCH
ECN Press Release, 7/30/03
The Eastern Cougar Network (ECN) has announced the appointment of Dr. Clayton K. Nielsen as its Director of Habitat Research. Dr. Neilsen's primary affiliation will remain with Southern Illinois University, but will closely work with ECN in classifying suitable habitat for cougars in areas outside their known range.
ARKANSAS GFC RELEASES POSITION STATEMENT ON MOUNTAIN LIONS IN STATE
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 7/18/03
The Arkansas Fish and Game Commission makes position statement about mountain lions in the state of Arkansas.
COUGAR SIGHTINGS VERIFIED IN ELY, MINNESOTA
Timberjay News, 7/3/03
"The witness (at the gravel pit) had a couple of minutes to look at it and then we had a technician go out and check the tracks and they were cougar tracks," said DNR Area Wildlife Manager Tom Rusch.
Tampa Tribune by the AP, 7/3/03
Florida may no longer be the only state in the eastern United States harboring wild cougars. The big cats appear to returning to many states in the Midwest and ....
ECN CO-FOUNDER MARK DOWLING INTERVIEWED....
Minnesota Public Radio, 7/2/03
ECN co-founder Mark Dowling is interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio about cougars returning to Minnesota. Read a transcript of the interview here.
ECN CO-FOUNDER KEN MILLER PROFILED....
The Boston Globe, 6/26/03
CONCORD - Reported sighting of a big cat on the prowl in Westford, Chelmsford, and Tyngsborough are startling many people. But Ken Miller, who has taken the nickname ....
EASTERN COUGAR CONFERENCE TO BE HELD LATE APRIL, 2004
ECN News Bulletin, 6/25/03
This conference is only the second such meeting ever devoted entirely to the fascinating subject of the cougar in the eastern half of North America. It is open to anyone with an interest in wildlife, conservation, nature, cougars, or related topics. The organizers are currently soliciting proposals for papers pertinent to the subject.
Gannett News Service, 6/05/03
Capt. Robert Hutchins, who is in charge of the state's Division of Fish & Wildlife enforcement for New Castle County, said the Delaware cougars probably were former captives.
EASTERN COUGAR NETWORK DOCUMENTS COUGAR INCIDENTS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA
National Geographic News, 5/7/03
One of the network's most striking accomplishments is a map of the cougar presence in the eastern United States. Sprinkled with dots that mark probable and confirmed cougar encounters, the map suggests that cougars may be crossing from legend into reality.
COUGAR WEBSITE TRACKS SIGHTINGS IN SCIENTIFIC WAY
Hartford (Conn.) Courant, 4/28/03
A group of men long fascinated by the idea that cougars may be returning to Eastern states has launched an online clearinghouse that could help state and federal wildlife officials track the species.
EASTERN COUGAR NETWORK FORMED TO DOCUMENT RETURN OF COUGARS TO EAST
ECN Press Release, 4/17/03
The Eastern Cougar Network (ECN) has been formed to document cougar confirmations in the eastern half of North America. Nearly a year in the making, the exciting results of the group's comprehensive research project can be found at their web site.
CONTINUED CONTROVERSY ABOUT COUGARS IN MICHIGAN (Conclusion)
Michigan Outdoor News, 4/4/03
Do any cougars sighted in Michigan represent "a wild cougar population," as the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy claims, or are they escaped/released pets, the most widely circulated theory of wildlife professionals in Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR)?
COUGAR STRUCK AND KILLED IN NORTHLAND MISSOURI WAS WILD
Kansas City Star, 3/21/03 Tests show that a cougar hit by a car and killed in Kansas City, North, in October probably was wild, biologists said Thursday.
CONTINUED CONTROVERSY ABOUT COUGARS IN MICHIGAN (PART 2)
Michigan Outdoor News, 3/21/03
Trying to get a handle on the debate behind Michigan's "cougar controversy" is like grabbing a tiger by the tail.
NUMBERS GROW: PANTHERS APPEAR IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (FLORIDA)
Tampa Tribune, 3/16/03
Florida panthers are making their way north to Hillsborough County - an unintended consequence of an experiment to bring the wild cats back from the brink of extinction.
YOUNG MALE PANTHER KILLED ON INTERSTATE 4 NEAR TAMPA
Florida Panther Net, 3/10/03
A panther killed early Monday on Interstate 4 near Tampa was likely a purebred Florida panther, a necropsy has revealed.
CONTINUED CONTROVERSY ABOUT COUGARS IN MICHIGAN (PART 1)
Michigan Outdoor News, 3/7/03
It's difficult if not impossible to couple the words "Michigan" and "cougar" these days without whipping up a storm of disagreement. Much of the dispute, according to vested interests, centers on "facts" that are inaccurate or misconceived.
SOUTH DAKOTA OFFICIALS CLARIFY PROPOSED CHANGE IN MOUNTAIN LION'S STATUS
ECN News, 2/7/03
State Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) officials say there is confusion about a bill under consideration in the state legislature that would change the status of the mountain lion in South Dakota to that of a "big game" animal.
COUGAR VERIFIED IN LAKESHORE (MICHIGAN)
The Leelanau Enterprise, 1/23/03
The existence of the elusive cats in Michigan's Lower Peninsula has been the center of a controversy between independent researchers and officials with the state Department of Natural Resources.
SOUTH DAKOTA LAWMAKERS GIVE INITIAL NOD TO HUNTING MT LIONS
Black Hills Pioneer, 1/22/03
SB27, approved 7-1 by the state Senate Agriculture Committee, would allow a hunting season if it is ever necessary to cut the number of mountain lions, classifying them as game animals.
NO CLAMOR FOR COUGARS - WISCONSIN DNR AMBIVALENT ABOUT COUGAR'S STATUS
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, 1/19/03
Wisconsin wildlife officials believe wild cougars might be present in Wisconsin from time-to-time but it's unlikely there is a breeding population.
LEGISLATION WOULD CHANGE STATUS OF MOUNTAIN LIONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen News, 1/18/03
A bill introduced in the Legislature would add the mountain lion to the state's list of big-game animals, a move that eventually could lead to a lion-hunting season.
LATEST ON DNA TESTING OF SCAT IN MICHIGAN
Green Bay Press-Gazette, 1/12/03
Confirmations of cougar presence made in two more Michigan counties, one in the UP and one in the LP, based on DNA testing of scat at Central Michigan University.
2002 BREAKING NEWS
Exclusive to ECN, 11/26/02
The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife believes that there are currently at least two, and possibly more, free-roaming cougars in the State.
MOUNTAIN LION ATTACKS HORSES IN NORTH DAKOTA
Grand Forks Herald, 11/9/02
HAZEN, N.D. - A mountain lion attacked and injured three horses in two separate incidents north of here, officials for the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.
DEER DRAW COUGARS EVER EASTWARD
New York Times, 11/8/02
Now evidence is growing that mountain lions, the world's fourth largest cat, are moving east, pushed by their own breeding success --
COUGAR CAUSES ALARM (MICHIGAN LP)
Detroit News, 11/6/02
Little did Bill and Linda George of South Boardman realize that their lives would soon be turned upside down by the appearance of a large predatory cat on their farm.
STATE SPURNS PLANS FOR COLONY OF CATS
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 10/28/02
Arkansas officials want no part of a plan to expand the Florida panther population into wilderness areas outside of Florida---
FLORIDA PANTHER MAY GAIN PROWLING PLACES IN SOUTHEAST
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 10/20/02
After being wiped out of most of its range early in the 20th century, the Florida panther may return to the forests of Georgia, Alabama and other Southeast states within the next few years.
COUGAR KILLED ON MISSOURI ROAD
Kansas City Star, 10/16/02
The cougar killed Monday in the Northland shows no signs of having been in captivity, an expert said Tuesday, although it is uncertain if it was wild.
LONG VANISHED COUGAR APPEARS IN QUEBEC
Ottawa Citizen, 10/15/02
The microscopic DNA molecules in a strand of hair tell the story. A cougar is prowling in Quebec's Gaspe....
MICHIGAN COUGAR SKULL LIKELY CAME FROM CAPTIVE CAT
ECN News, 10/2/02
ECN has been provided with additional details on the cougar skull found in Michigan. The skull was in close proximity to a black bear skull, not far from a taxidermy shop. Analysis by zoologists at The University of Michigan suggests likelihood of captive origin.
OFFICIALS DENY COUGARS ARE IN MICHIGAN
Detroit Free Press, 9/28/02
Wild cougars, supposedly wiped out in the state in 1906, now are blamed for a series of attacks on horses and other animals at two Kalkaska County farms.
NEBRASKA MOUNTAIN LION REPORT IS CONFIRMED 11TH SINCE 1991
Omaha World Herald, 7/24/02
A second report of a mountain lion in Brown County has been confirmed, said Richard Bischof, nongame and furbearer specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
MICHIGAN HUNTERS DISPUTE CLAIMS OF COUGARS IN STATE
Michigan Outdoor News, 6/14/02
There are no cougars in Michigan. That's the word from some avid houndsmen who spend their hunting seasons running black bears, bobcats and coyotes throughout the Upper Peninsula.
POLICE KILL COUGAR ON SUBURBAN PATHWAY (MINNESOTA)
St Paul Pioneer Press, 6/2/02
Bloomington police shot and killed a 100-pound mountain lion Thursday evening after walkers on a popular trail came face-to-face with the snarling animal.
MOUNTAIN LIONS APPEAR TO BE FINDING WAY TO NEBRASKA
Omaha World-Herald, 4/28/02
In the wake of Dick Turpin's dramatic video shot last December, many turkey hunters can't help but wonder if they are sharing the woods with a mountain lion.
COUGAR CAPTURED IN MINNESOTA -- ON FILM
St Paul Pioneer Press, 4/27/02
The urban legend of mountain lions lurking near populated areas is shedding its mythology and becoming verified fact.
COUGARS RETURN TO A CHANGED IOWA
The Boston Globe, 3/31/02
As many as a dozen mountain lions may be living in Iowa, state officials estimate.
2001 BREAKING NEWS
IOWA OFFICIALS TO SEEK LEGISLATION PROTECTING STRAY MOUNTAIN LIONS
Omaha World-Herald, 9/30/01 With confirmation that mountain lions have returned to Iowa, conservation officials will seek legislation next year to protect the animals.