As the latest hoaxed photo of a mountain lion supposedly killed in Pennsylvania died a slow death on Facebook yesterday, the head of an organization tracking the eastern movements of the big cats was preparing a presentation for a Pennsylvania audience tonight. "Cougars really are deer specialists," said Laura Prugh, an author on the study. Animal welfare is important not only to the public, but to wildlife managers and trappers alike, and will continue to be a critical component of trapping in Pennsylvania. and are the same size as the American mink and the same length as an adult fox squirrel. Habitat changes that can result in lower turkey populations include, a lower variety of habitat types, lower habitat quality (particularly due to exotic species replacing native species), lower number of mast-producing trees (particularly oaks and cherry), lower percentage of younger age-class forests, and less nesting brood cover for turkeys. Effective July 1, 2013; a $16 fee is charged for issuing a hunter education replacement certificate. Species restoration also supports economic growth within the outdoor recreation industry as well as considers the cultural importance to Indigenous peoples. But they'd need the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and, for now, that's a non-starter. Home Pennsylvania State University Can You Shoot A Mountain Lion In Pennsylvania? Consumption permits are issued from region offices. I have three observations here: 1. A new late season bull hunt was added this license year and 20 additional bull licenses are available. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out. Are there Mountain Lions (Pumas, Cougars) in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic States? The affidavit must be completed, signed and notarized before it is returned to the address found on the form. Will the Game Commission refund the cost of my hunting and furtaker licenses if I cannot travel due to COVID-19-related restrictions? They reduce deadly deer-vehicle collisions and help maintain the health and viability of prey species by removing sick individuals and by reducing the spread of deadly diseases such as chronic wasting disease, an epidemic plaguing deer and elk herds throughout the country. The most direct way to report an instance of a suspected sick, injured or nuisance wild animal is to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Region Office that serves the county in which the animal is located. It is best to call the region office directly because the region dispatcher might have additional questions for the caller about an exact location, the time the animal was witnessed or other something else. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted in April 2021 to prohibit the use of centerfire rimfire rifles and handguns during the fall turkey season in response to concerns about spring harvest density being below goal in 15 of the states 23 Wildlife Management Units. Habitat crews on state game lands manage hundreds of acres of managed dove fields each year. Follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease: 1. Everyone else, when reporting, were frustrated as they were told they had seen a bobcat. If you encounter a dead or injured animal that you suspect is a victim of a wildlife crime, please report the instance to the Operation Game Thiefs toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 1-888-PGC-8001 or fill out an online form at http://bit.ly/PGCOGT. What would account for the long tails? Learn more about ruffed grouse management here. In an effort to expand hunting opportunities, in 2021, Sunday hunting is only open on the following dates for the following species. As you can see, the cats shoulder measures the same as the indicator, i.e. Isnt trapping inhumane and indiscriminate? If you're interested in this, please pass on this link, and if you see a cat, please let me know! What does a Mountain Lion look like on a game camera? Wild pheasants are released in WPRAs for three years, depending on availability of birds and trapping success in western states. Although mourning doves are considered a migratory game bird species, many of the doves we have in Pennsylvania reside here throughout the winter and provide an excellent opportunity late into the season. The wild pheasants are monitored by Game Commission wildlife biologists to determine survival and population numbers using radio telemetry, crowing counts, brood surveys and flushing surveys. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is headquartered at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg, in Dauphin County. The mountain lionalso known as the cougar, puma, panther, or catamountis a large cat species native to the Americas. He's a hunter, a woodsman, and he's seen a lot of game, so I can believe he saw a back-lighted puma. Fibromas are restricted to the skin of deer and do not spread to internal organs. Wildfires on the other hand, are unplanned fires that occur during extreme conditions, which can pose threats to public safety and cause damage to natural resources. Since there is no treatment or cure, limiting deer contact and interaction by increasing deer harvests across DMAs is one of the only ways to manage CWD on the landscape. Their digestive systems and metabolism are adapted to survive harsh winter weather, including deep snow, cold temperatures and high winds. Reporting leg-bands helps the Game Commission and the U.S. Most general and add-on licenses are available in-store. If mountain lions are here, or are to come here, they'll have to do it on their own. Additional information can be found on the Hunter-Trapper Education page. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is your state wildlife agency and we want to help clarify and simplify some timely and commonly asked hunting- and wildlife-related questions. I was able to match the images perfectly in terms of scale, size and position. On the second night, a mountain lion passed by, apparently drawn by the smell but put off by the stench, as the cat did not visit the kill. I've seen about 20 mountain lions, or pumas, in the field, but all but 2 . Did they migrate south from Canada? Can you shoot a mountain lion if it attacks you? Can You Shoot A Mountain Lion In Pennsylvania? Again, I've been told that some Game Commission personnel have admitted that pumas may exist in Pennsylvania, but they rationalize this by saying that the pumas are not breeding and they are not from original wild stock. . However, the spring season does not impact the overall annual turkey population, due to the timing of when the season opens after peak breeding, and when more than half of the hens have begun incubating eggs. As you can see from the above images it is very difficult to confuse the two if you have a good view. During early exploration and settlement in Pennsylvania and other states, many furbearing species were trapped to the point of extirpation. More information is available here. Its impossible to say. Wild animals constantly search for food and many will find the easy food source you provide. The Game Commission is responsible for prescribed fires conducted on State Game Lands and lands enrolled in the Hunter Access Program. Why cant waterfowl be hunted on Sundays? Applications will follow the same schedule as seasons past, where residents, and later nonresidents, are permitted to apply for a license in the opening round, and in each of the two successive rounds for any WMU where licenses remain. 18 inches. The population declined significantly and experienced a near total reproductive failure in 2018. Like mad cow disease in cattle, scrapie in sheep and goats, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans, it's caused not by a virus or bacteria, but by abnormal prions, or proteins. Gobblers harvested during the spring season do not impact the overall turkey population because the males we harvest are taken after peak breeding and when over half of the hens have begun incubating eggs. The burn area will be closed to public access through a variety of notification methods, including signage at the game lands and through the Game Commission's online Hunter Notification map. Once a bear finds easy access to food, they are likely to frequently come back for more. You read it here first: Mountain lions still exist in Pennsylvania: Just prior to the start of Pennsylvania's two-week firearms deer season, the volunteers at the Eastern Puma Research Network put out a call to hunters. Paws 'N' Claws Animal Park in the Poconos. We encourage everyone to continue to take precautionary measures during this time and to continue to be safe and responsible during these unprecedented times. Learn more about elk history in Pennsylvania. Commissioners are appointed from various geographical districts of the state to ensure uniform representation for all residents. The elks weight and several biological samples will be collected by Game Commission wildlife biologists. Goggling Eastern Puma brings up other web sites, however, with varying levels of professionalism or credibility. Cougars also called mountain lions or pumas are uniquely suited to hunt and kill deer, who not only cause traffic accidents but overgraze to the point of endangering native species and eliminating habitats for smaller animals. Other exceptions are included with species seasons below. Weather, especially during spring nesting season can affect turkey populations. Install lighting or motion-sensor lighting in dark areas around the home to deter cougars and other wildlife. In addition, hens are less prone to abandon their nests if disturbed after incubation is underway. They cover large areas of the state; in fact, many counties have only one game warden assigned. This can cause injury to humans and pets as well as lead to more vehicle collisions. Recently, I caught an animal on my security cameras infrared setting, moving past my rear egress stairs and across the back. However, my friend and I discussed this, and agreed, we saw what we saw, and had it been 40 years ago or four months ago, we knew we saw a coyote. Today, there are none in existence in this area; the last mountain lions was seen in 1874. In Michigan, there has been multiple sightings of 'black panthers,' animals that were thought to be mountain lions, or pumas, except that they were black. I believe them. *Please note: While we try our best, we are not always able to respond to every inquiry. Several states have shortened or closed their grouse season after grouse populations crashed. Natural food sources can be low this time of year, so bears are more likely to help themselves to food that is easily accessible. Fall seasons differ according to the wild turkey population density in each Wildlife Management Unit, varying from closed to 3 weeks + a 3-day Thanksgiving holiday season. Black panthers - cats, not superheroes - have been reported repeatedly for decades in Pennsylvania, although even more rarely than have mountain lions. It is also unlawful to dig on state game lands. Click here for step-by-step instructions about how to purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license. The smell of rotting flesh was unmistakable. . Please dont feed wildlife, it may cause more harm than good! And people want to see them. I'd suspect it would still be considered very rare, after all, it was thought to be extinct. Human foods do not offer a healthy diet for animals. A sample permission slip is available on page 4 of the 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Digest. Mountain lions are large, tan cats. Ask your butcher to process your meat individually, without meat from other animals, or process your own meat; 6. But this one was black, and he knows mountain lions are some variant of brown. Thank you for your interest in Pennsylvania wildlife. When traps are used properly and following the BMPs, they are very selective in what they catch, and along with state regulations, avoid non-targets like birds of prey. But please note that it is unlawful to put food out around the camera to attract wildlife to the area. With all the deer in the area, the cat had plenty of prey and I didnt view it as a potential threat. pgccomments@pa.gov for their messages to be shared with the Board of Game Commissioners and appropriate staff. If it is a cougar/mountain lion, its probably a young one thats wandering around, looking for food. How do I submit comments and ideas about current and proposed seasons and bag limits set by the Board of Game Commissioners? The Pennsylvania Game Commissions Operation Game Thief program serves to protect wild birds and wild mammals and encourages those who have information related to wildlife crimes to report details as soon as possible. Hunters Sharing the Harvest is Pennsylvanias venison donation program that coordinates the distribution of donated venison to a statewide network of meat processors and food banks. I don't know if a Game Commission authority has actually said this or not, but people I've spoken to have reported this. Consumption permits for deer and turkey only: Residents can pick up deer and turkey only for consumption purposes and must obtain a permit within 24 hours. Its distinctly possible. Hunters will continue to mail antlerless-license applications to county treasurers, as required by law. According to the commission, the last Pennsylvania mountain lion was killed in the late 1800s. In Pennsylvania, one of the most important things that trapping provides is data and information used to help assess and make decisions on management of this suite of species. By law, all first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of age, must successfully complete Hunter-Trapper Education training before they can buy a Pennsylvania hunting or trapping license. What Did Megalodon Eat? More Questions about Pumas in Pennsylvania. Theories include the Nittany Lion, Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar, Bobcat and even an actual black eastern Panther . The post-Christmas grouse season, (hereafter late season), is well-loved by many grouse hunters. Smoke will be visible during the burn and might be seen for many miles. Click here for full harvest reporting details. Those impacts are not immediately visible as CWD-infected animals might not show symptoms of the disease for 18 to 24 months. But a mix of bounty hunting . Have your animal tested and do not consume parts of any animal testing positive for CWD or displaying outward signs of disease. Bobcats tend to be darker brown, with lighter belly fur and spots while mountain lions tend to be more uniform brown, tawny color. The last native mountain lion known to be killed in Pennsylvania is on display in the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Those wishing to follow the agency online can do so on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. *Interestingly, that following spring, we had a horrendous stench wafting in from the nearby woods. Note the size of the tail, the pointed ears, the speckled coat, the basic lack of white underneath. Where is Pennsylvanias elk herd located? Is the Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Course available online? As many as 1,300 elk freely roam across 3,000 square miles in the northcentral region of the state. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If its further back, it could be a far larger specimen and could conceivably weigh twice that. Are they all the product of the off-spring of pumas that escaped their owners or were released? At one time mountain lions, or more properly puma (Puma concolor), enjoyed the widest geographic range of any New World mammal, and were found throughout all of the contiguous United States. Biology. Is it illegal to feed bears? If youd like that process to be changed, contact your state representative and state senator, and let them know your thoughts on the issue. Yes. On a recent stifling morning in Adams County, the 290-pound mountain lion with perfect bone structure is ignoring the raw chicken breast and pork chops a . Once hunted to extinction, Pennsylvanias resurgent elk herd now numbers 1,400. Are mountain lions living in Pennsylvania today? Mary saw the photo, too, and she immediately agreed, it was a puma. Click here for full harvest reporting details. Calls to the Operation Game Thief hotline are always answered by a secure recording device. Cougars in Pennsylvania may still be a pipe dream in 2023, but who knows? Visit www.bearwise.org for more ways to prevent human-bear conflicts. Office of Open Records: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Open Records, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225. The rounded ears, The license year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Replacement certificates are usually mailed in 10-14 days upon receipt of an application. Stay calm. Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. No. If you ask me, the answer is yes. The cat mustve been after the deer that regularly invade my yard at night, usually to eat my neighbors arborvitae trees and my holly bushes.*. The agency is always faced with the challenge of providing as many hunting opportunities as possible, while ensuring the wildlife resource is managed sustainably. No. Can I shoot a mountain lion in self defense? This is not a Pennsylvania puma! There are currently four WPRAs in the state. But then it's a really nice-sized meal as well, so it's an efficient package of meat that can feed them for about a week, as opposed to hunting smaller prey like beavers or rabbits.". Those altered prions kill brain cells and ultimately lead to tiny holes in the brains of infected animals. Periodically, via Google searches, I receive reports from people who believe they had seen a mountain lion in Pennsylvania, or in other mid-Atlantic states. Its a wonderful defense against mountain lions (also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers). However, bear are present all across the state. . Supplemental feeding causes deer and elk to concentrate, which facilitates the spread of diseases like CWD. Would these ridges be declared off-limits for hunting? I asked our Game officials about evidence, and they cite no road kills. I submit comments and ideas about current and proposed seasons and bag limits set by the of. 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