Conservation Status: The mountain lion is one of Oklahomas most elusive and discussed wildlife species. Sightings and evidence of cougars have been documented back to 1852, where two cougars were killed in southwest Oklahoma.

Where do mountain lions live in Oklahoma?

Osage County leads the list with seven, followed by Cimarron County with six. Over the years, a few mountain lions have been documented in central Oklahoma. Two were confirmed in Logan County (in 2014 and 2015), and one each in McClain (2002), Grady (2011) and Pottawatomie (2015) counties.

How many mountain lions live in Oklahoma?

According to ODWC, there have been around 40 confirmed mountain lion sightings in Oklahoma since the department began keeping records on them in 2002, and, most of the time, its a case of mistaken identity.

Does Oklahoma have big cats?

Although mountain lions, sometimes called cougars, pumas, panthers, painters, or catamounts, were common in Oklahoma and elsewhere in the Plains prior to European settlement, they were eradicated during the 19th century. As the countryside was settled and developed, the large predators were shot.

Can you shoot mountain lions in Oklahoma?

There is no hunting season on mountain lions. However, mountain lions can be taken year-round when committing or about to commit depredation on any domesticated animal or when deemed an immediate safety hazard.

What big cats live in Oklahoma?

Although mountain lions, sometimes called cougars, pumas, panthers, painters, or catamounts, were common in Oklahoma and elsewhere in the Plains prior to European settlement, they were eradicated during the 19th century. As the countryside was settled and developed, the large predators were shot.

Are there grizzly bears in Oklahoma?

Currently in Oklahoma there are about 101 native species of mammals recognized by mammalian taxonomists. Some species no longer exist in Oklahoma. The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), red wolf (Canis rufus), gray wolf (Canis lupus), and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) are extinct in the state.

Are there alligators in Oklahoma?

“Alligators are not common sights anywhere in Oklahoma except the very tip of the southeast corner of the state – down even south of Broken Bow,” Brown said.

When did grizzly bears go extinct in Oklahoma?

The last recorded sightings were in late 1960s and early 1970s. The grizzly bear was probably present in western Oklahoma. It did occur in Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, and it was extirpated because of human actions about fifty to one hundred years ago in those regions.

Will a bear eat a human?

Bears. Polar bears, particularly young and undernourished ones, will hunt people for food. Truly man-eating bear attacks are uncommon, but are known to occur when the animals are diseased or natural prey is scarce, often leading them to attack and eat anything they are able to kill.

Did grizzly bears ever exist in Oklahoma?

Some species no longer exist in Oklahoma. The grizzly bear was probably present in western Oklahoma. It did occur in Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, and it was extirpated because of human actions about fifty to one hundred years ago in those regions.

What is the most beautiful lake in Oklahoma?

Beautiful spring-fed Lake Murray features 5,700 surface acres and is one of the clearest lakes in Oklahoma. The lake is located wholly within the 12,500-acre Lake Murray State Park. The fishing at Lake Murray is excellent and is known for great largemouth bass fishing.

Which native species is the only one still found in Oklahoma?

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are one of five species of prairie dogs and the only species that occurs in Oklahoma. They are highly social burrowing rodents that are found in grasslands.

What smells do bears hate?

Bears also dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.

Do you play dead when you see a bear?

If any bear attacks you in your tent, or stalks you and then attacks, do NOT play dead—fight back! This kind of attack is very rare, but can be serious because it often means the bear is looking for food and sees you as prey. Bear pepper spray can be an important thing to carry when exploring the back country.

Are there wolves in SE Oklahoma?

Wolves no longer live in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Archeological Survey. The states bounty hunting, decimated bison population, and reduced deer population led to complete elimination of wolves in the 1930s. Wildlife experts believe that red wolves are the result of mating between timber wolves and coyotes.

Where is the clearest water in Oklahoma?

Arcadia Lake Arcadia Lake Has The Bluest, Clearest Water In Oklahoma.

Were there ever grizzly bears in Oklahoma?

Some species no longer exist in Oklahoma. The grizzly bear was probably present in western Oklahoma. It did occur in Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, and it was extirpated because of human actions about fifty to one hundred years ago in those regions.

Are bears attracted to human urine?

Answer: Pee, by any other name, still smells the same, and bears, lions, and other predators are interested in anything that smells interesting. They say human urine deters nosey bears.

Would a bear eat a human?

Bears. Polar bears, particularly young and undernourished ones, will hunt people for food. Truly man-eating bear attacks are uncommon, but are known to occur when the animals are diseased or natural prey is scarce, often leading them to attack and eat anything they are able to kill.