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Five new mountain lion sightings confirmed in Missouri this year

MISSOURI – The Missouri Department of Conservation has confirmed five new mountain lion sightings in the state this year; four of these have been seen since the beginning of September.

mountain lions It is a protected species in Missouri and is considered rare. The MDC says there is “no evidence of a breeding population” in the state and sightings are generally sporadic.

According to MDCThe following mountain lion sightings this year have been confirmed by photos or video:

March 6, 2025 – Putnam County
September 19, 2025 – Andrew County
September 22, 2025 – Buchanan County
15 October 2025 – Scotland Region
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.

MDC has confirmed 128 mountain lion sightings statewide since the first confirmed encounters in 1994.

Five new mountain lion sightings confirmed in Missouri this year

This year’s total matches last year’s count and is close to the long-term average of 4.2 annual sightings (since 1994). In contrast, in 2023, three of them will be in St. There have been a record 14 confirmed sightings, including one in Franklin County near St. Louis.

The highest historical concentration of sightings is believed to be in southern Missouri, particularly in Shannon and Texas counties near the Rocky Creek Reservation, according to MDC data. There were a total of 25 confirmed sightings in these two counties.

The MDC describes mountain lions as ambush predators, distinguishable by their large size, uniform tawny coloration, long cylindrical tails tipped with black, and small, round ears without tufts.

Mountain lions, believed to be rare, 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, conservation experts encourage you to remain calm, maintain your distance, back away slowly and report the sighting to MDC, taking photos or video only if it is safe to do so.

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