Are Mountain Lion Sightings Really on the Rise in Missouri?

I believe there is a perception that mountain lion sightings in the Missouri are on the rise, but is that really the truth. I've looked at the actual data shared by the Missouri Department of Conservation and was truly surprised at what a difference a year makes.

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I have many friends and family in Missouri that swear that they have either seen or heard about a mountain lion quite literally in their neck of the woods. For this, I didn't rely on any stories or anecdotal data. For this, it's pure numbers as shared by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

What do the numbers show about mountain lion sightings in Missouri?

I focused on just the past couple of years of sightings to show what the reality of these big cats is in Missouri. You might want to sit down for this.

• For 2022, the Missouri Department of Conservation only reported 6 confirmed mountain lion sightings.
• So far in 2023, the Missouri Department of Conservation has already confirmed 13 mountain lion sightings in the state.

In just 2 years, the number of mountain lion sightings have more than doubled. And, 2023 isn't even over yet. Keep in mind again that these are only the confirmed sightings, not the rumors.

I find it interesting that the state of Missouri still officially says that mountain lions do not habitat in Missouri. I understand the belief is that the big cats seen in the state are just passing through, but the reports seem too numerous to just be vagabond cats. Just my opinion. Not the official story.