MOUNTAIN LION

MOUNTAIN LION. The mountain lion (Puma concolor) is also known as the cougar, puma, panther, and catamount. It is the largest wildcat in North America. Mountain lions have powerful limbs and can leap as high as 15 feet and as far as 40 feet. (1)

With the exception of humans, the mountain lion has the largest range of any mammal in the Western Hemisphere. They are found from Canada to Argentina. In North America, they can be found from British Columbia and southern Alberta to California and Texas. Small populations can be found east of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. The Florida panther is found in isolated populations in Florida. (2)

On November 20, 1863 notice was given in the Dubuque Democratic Herald of a panther being seen in the vicinity of the city. It was decided to have the hunt on Thanksgiving Day with--

            All who are not afraid of a live panther, six-feet long, which
            can leap over thirty-three feet and can jump over a four-story
            building, will be welcome to be a part of the hunt. (3)

The announced hunt was to be done in a "scientific manner." (4)

Unable to wait for the announced day of the hunt, a large group of hunters searched for the animal on the 22nd with no luck.

In 1993 reports were made of two "large, cat-like creatures" near the DUBUQUE ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS during the winter and spring. (5)

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Source:

1. "Mountain Lion," Defenders of Wildlife," Online: http://www.defenders.org/mountain-lion/basic-facts

2. Ibid.

3. "The Great Panther Hunt," Dubuque Democratic Herald, November 21, 1863, p 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=A36e8EsbUSoC&dat=18631121&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

4. "The Panther Hunt," Dubuque Democratic Herald, November 24, 1863, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=A36e8EsbUSoC&dat=18631124&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

5. Dickel, Dean. "Residents See Cougars Near Arboretum," Telegraph Herald, June 4, 1993, p. 3A