Is This a Mountain Lion Track in Missouri? Experts Say Yes

One of the most controversial sightings in Missouri involve mountain lions or creatures that look like the big cats. If you find a track, there are things experts will tell you to look for that are a dead giveaway that one of these apex predators is in your neck of the woods.

Are there really mountain lions in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Conservation says yes and no. Yes, there are many mountain lions that have been spotted in Missouri especially in recent years, but no, they are not believed to have made a native habitat in the state. Big cats that have been confirmed sightings are believed to be lone cats traveling across the state.

How do you know if you have found a real mountain lion track?

Mountain lion experts in Missouri say this is what you need to look for.

• You will see 4 toes and 3 faint lobes at the bottom
• The toes are shaped like teardrops
• The track will be between 3 and 3 1/2 inches wide
• No claw marks are visible

They point out that regular dog or large cat tracks are no bigger than a couple inches wide and are normally oval-shaped. If there are claw marks, they are very sharp and are only left when a mountain lion is running after something.

What does a mountain lion sound like?

Mountain lion sounds are not what you probably expect. Most imagine a loud scream, but you might hear something that almost sounds like a fox.

Mountain lions aren't common in Missouri, but I believe there are more sightings that are legitimate than the state is revealing. It's good to know what's real and what's not before you decide one of these big cats is lurking near you.