‘Witnessed the most amazing thing’

A wildlife researcher in Missouri captured spectacular drone footage of a mountain lion roaming near Columbia; This marked a rare encounter that could signal a predator’s return to the area.

Jack Huston, owner of Midwest Deer Surveys, spotted the mountain lion while surveying near the Missouri River in early October. Kansas City Star.

“Last week I witnessed the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen at the survey,” Huston said shared in a Facebook post with photos.

Drone footage shows the predator looking directly at the camera and displaying its distinctive large claws. For about 15 minutes, Huston watched the mountain lion interact with a group of deer that tried to chase the deer that got too close before running away into the woods.

“My heart was pounding!” Houston in question in the Facebook post.

As apex predators, mountain lions help maintain forests and agricultural lands that humans rely on for food production and natural resources by helping to control deer populations that might otherwise overgraze surrounding vegetation.

deer populations rose After the disappearance of mountain lions in Missouri led to increased vehicle collisions, crop damage and the spread of diseases among overcrowded herds.

Similar success stories demonstrate the potential benefits of predator recovery. The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has transformed barren lands into thriving ecosystems over the years, while predator protection programs have helped farmers control rodent and deer populations that destroy crops and cause millions in losses each year.

The return of these predators to the area is a great sign of restoring natural population controls, as well as supporting a healthier, more diverse local ecosystem.

Once confirmed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, this will be the 121st mountain lion sighting in the state since 1996. No sightings had been reported since February 2024.

Additionally, the Missouri Department of Conservation states that dangerous encounters with these creatures are unlikely. “Mountain lions are naturally wary of humans and rarely cause trouble, even in states where their populations are growing,” officials said, according to the Kansas City Star.

Get TCDs free newsletters For easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and win up to $5,000 in neat TCD-exclusive upgrades Reward Club.