I have written before (see 5th page) about mountain lions in northern Wisconsin and now everyone is talking about them again. 2007 was the first time I heard and seen pictures of a mountain lion in the Northwoods. Those came from a friend’s trail camera and after a DNR biologist inspected the location, it was determined that it was most likely a bob cat. If anyone saw these pictures and were not familiar with wildlife, I’m pretty sure they would agree this animal was NOT a bobcat but in fact a mountain lion.

Sightings have become more common in recent years with over 130 adult mountain lions being reported. It is determined that these big cats seen in the Northwoods are just males and are not breeding. The DNR believes these are transient male mountain lions that are crossing Minnesota, Wisconsin and the U.P of Michigan from South Dakotas black hills looking for new territories of their own. Young male mountain lions will also travel for unknown miles until they locate a suitable female.

According to the DNR, of the three cats (MOUNTAIN LIONS, BOBCATS & LYNKS bobcats) in the Northwoods, it’s believed that bobcats are the only ones known to be breeding in our state. Adding, there is no evidence that mountain lions are breeding in Wisconsin. Ok, maybe not for now, but it could be happening in the future. Why? For the first time in over a century the Michigan DNR has verified, that mountain lion cubs have been seen in the Upper Peninsula. These little cats were discovered in Ontonagon County that is just over 50 miles from the Wisconsin line.

Kittens usually stay with their mother for the first 12 to 18 months until they can fend for themselves. Once they become independent, young female mountain lions can stay over 2 years in their natal range, while males will travel over 100 miles to claim their own territory. After 3 years, the males are sexually mature and will look for a female to mate with.

Could there be more sightings of mountain lions in northern Wisconsin in our future? Only time will tell. But with huge number of wolves already calling the Northwoods home, all we need is mountain lions roaming the forest hunting for food.