I used to archery hunt for deer, and I spent a lot of time (way too much time) sitting silently in a tree stand waiting for deer. What if Im hunting in an area where CWD is known to exist? CWD was first found in Pennsylvania in captive deer in October of 2012, and in wild, free-ranging whitetails collected during the 2012 firearms season. Would these ridges be declared off-limits for hunting? Many of the reports I receive are extremely credible. Click here for a brief synopsis of the zones. Verbal instructions given through the use of electronic or other sound amplification devices does not meet these requirements. A moose is a very rare sight in Pennsylvania. To limit the effect of CWD in deer and elk populations, regulations restricting the movement of high-risk parts, banning feeding within Disease Management Areas (DMAs) and prohibiting the use of urine-based attractants in DMAs are in place. One spotted in the Delaware Water Gap 25 years ago this week was believed to be the first in over a century. If the pine marten requires this much paperwork, one can imagine where that leaves cougars. Prescribed burns also reduce the severity of unplanned wildfires by removing leaves, thick grasses, and forest debris that accumulate without regular fire. In 2011, a mountain lion migrated from South Dakota to Connecticut, a journey of some 1,500 miles. 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. Bears should be field dressed before being brought to a check station. Knowing that pumas range widely, would my ridge be the only one closed? Its the basis of a classic fishing trick; you hold a fish a bit away from you to make it appear larger for the camera. If I scaled Mace up to the filmed cats minimum shoulder height of 18 inches, it suggests a body weight of just over 50 pounds. I love the big cats and devote a huge amount of my field time photographing African lions, leopards, cheetahs, and in 2011, tigers. The big cats largely disappeared from the eastern U.S. roughly a century ago. If its further back, it could be a far larger specimen and could conceivably weigh twice that. Click here for more information. (Prior to Covid-19 restrictions, the online course was only offered for those 16 years and older and included a fee to complete). How do I report my bobcat or fisher harvest(s)? What is the mission of the Pennsylvania Game Commission? Unfortunately, just like any tool, they can be used inappropriately and result with negative impact. Conversely, an outdoor writer I know told me that when Pa. enacted a menagerie permit law years ago, 'a lot of mountain lions suddenly died,' as the owners of these cats, rather than going through the paperwork, simply released their pumas and claimed that they had died. One man, in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, had seen one, at night, about 25 years ago. Over time, cats that had been released in Florida, probably pets that outlived their welcome, bred with the native puma, and their genes mingled. Archery and late seasons elk hunters will be notified of this location by letter or contact the Northcentral Region Office at 570-398-4744. These resprouts provide valuable browse for wildlife. Are eLicenses a permitted substitute for hunters to carry in the field? When was CWD detected in Pennsylvania? In personal contacts, that monthly average might even be higher. He saw a big cat. Support increased financial assistance for wildlife and agricultural agencies to combat CWD. Have your animal tested and do not consume parts of any animal testing positive for CWD or displaying outward signs of disease. How do I report a road-killed deer? Their bodies are mainly covered in tawny-beige fur, except for the whitish-gray belly and chest. I am bothered by the constricted neck of the cat on the game camera; 2. the tail is curved down, rather than up, but it may have been in mid-swing; 3. the goldenrod-appearing flower, and the background of cars, gives a sense of scale and location. Can I use trail cameras on state game lands? But Ill leave it up to you, my readers. Most general and add-on licenses are available in-store. A map of these managed dove fields is available online. According to Prugh, cougars also could help slow the spread of Lyme's disease by taking out diseased deer and save casual gardens and crops from overgrazing. How old must I be to mentor a mentored hunter? The elks weight and several biological samples will be collected by Game Commission wildlife biologists. By the time he returned the vehicle was gone, and so was the cat, and no mention was ever made of this road kill in a radio or newspaper report. The Pennsylvania Game Commission periodically receives reports and photos of mountain lions. Interestingly, the US Fish and Wildllife Service has declared the Eastern Puma extinct, except for the Florida population known as the Florida panther. Several states have shortened or closed their grouse season after grouse populations crashed. Those interested in submitting their thoughts and opinions on an issue related to hunting and wildlife in the state are encouraged to email the agency at With that hope in mind, I have, for years, asked outdoors people if they ever heard of a mountain lion, or puma, in their area -- with my questioning limited to people in my home state of Pennsylvania. I love the big cats and devote a huge amount of my field time photographing African lions, leopards, cheetahs, and in 2011, tigers. Unfortunately, at times, our wardens are not able to respond to every incident and they must use their best judgement on which calls to respond to first. Learn more about Pennsylvania elk. This is the most asked turkey hunting question the Game Commission receives. Yet, again, were assuming that our mystery cat is right up against the steps. It could, of course, also be an exceptionally big house cat, but how to find out? The footage is dark and amorphous, and very hard to make out. We raise pheasants because people like to hunt them. A Rural Legend -- The Search For Pennsylvania Mountain Lions | Penn State University A recent rumor of a cougar killed by a vehicle on Interstate 80 attracted some attention at Penn State. Junior hunters, ages 14-15, must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Once a bear finds easy access to those kids of food, they are likely to come back for more. Compare any game camera image with the shots above, or this game camera image, to confirm your identification. The Game Commission maintains a public map that shows where prescribed burns are being planned. No. Eating African lion meat is unusual around the worldincluding on the predators home continent, where the meat is not considered palatable, Hunter said. Hunters harvesting bears anywhere during the statewide archery bear season, or during any early season should contact the appropriate region office for instructions to have the animals checked. Many species of wildlife are born in the spring and its almost certain Pennsylvanians will encounter young wildlife at one point or another. Although Pennsylvania still has more trappers than probably any other state at around 44,000 individuals, this is still a small percentage of the Commonwealths estimated 12.8 million residents. However, mountain lion sightings in Pennsylvania are still being reported. Is it lawful to find and retain deer and/or elk antlers on state game lands? The increased light provided from knocking back small saplings and brush coupled with reduction in leaf litter or grass thatch will greatly enhance opportunities for new species to grow, particularly native grasses and forbs. Yes. How do I deal with shaving weight for carrying my gear? Time is of the essence when it comes to reporting the location of a wild animal, so it's best to call, as opposed to report via email or social media. Mountain Lions do remain in the western states and there is evidence that in 2011, a . Click here for step-by-step instructions about how to purchase a Pennsylvania hunting license. The northeastern U.S. population is thought to have disappeared in the 1930s. Therefore, the best way to improve turkey numbers, is by reducing the fall harvest. There are at least 20,000 black bears in Pa., and a small percentage are killed each year, but we're probably not talking about 20,000 pumas in the state. Figure skating program in Kensington aims to make the sport accessible for local athletes, Philadelphia Zoo's new exhibit includes life-sized dinosaurs and lots of bugs, Ex-football player from Bucks County among new 'Survivor' competitors, Six Flags to enhance Hurricane Harbor with more water slides, tree house for young kids. Except for Florida, the eastern mountain lion is believed to have extricated from the east coast by 1900. DNA tests confirmed the big cat originated in South Dakota and that it also previously had been tracked in 2009 and 2010 through Wisconsin and Minnesota, where the animal's DNA had previously been collected through blood, hair and droppings. How will I know where and when burns are planned? It probably wasnt; it was more likely 1-3 feet away, in which case my estimates will need to be scaled up a bit. Of course, bobcats are proportionately a bit taller than a cougar or house cat, and if it is a bobcat my weight estimate could be off. Opening day is biologically timed for when most hens, on an average year, have started to incubate their eggs. The license year begins July 1 and ends June 30. There is no limit on the total number of licenses a hunter can obtain in a license year. Are there Mountain Lions (Pumas, Cougars) in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic States? However, if it doesn't exist, and if someone saw one, wouldn't there be a worry that it was a dangerous escapee? Crews will then continue burning into the wind and downslope, sending fire into the previously burned or blackened area. In an October study, researchers identified several regions along the East Coast that could be suitable habitats, including a section of Pennsylvania north of Du Bois and northeast of Williamsport. The Cougar Network, working with state agencies, have documented multiple mountain lions as far east as Kentucky, Tennessee and Michigan in recent years, as well as one cat killed on a highway in Milford, Connecticut, in June 2011. With that, Pennsylvanias seasons and management strategies must account for high harvest potential and possible disturbance of hens given the number of hunters. If the tag was on the antlers, there would be no way to identify the head or carcass. The northeastern U.S. population is thought to have disappeared in the 1930s. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological disease that affects members of the cervid family (e.g., deer, elk, moose and reindeer/caribou). This is actually a good thing, as genetic isolation generally weakens a species. It also reduces confusion about which WMUs are open to antlerless hunting. However, if you've seen a mountain lion, or other mystery creature, or evidence of either, in Pennsylvania, contact outdoor writer Marcus Schneck at [email protected].). The counties typically with the highest harvest are in the northcentral part of the state, namely Clinton, Lycoming and Tioga counties. Mountain lions live in rescue centers like Murray's, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission said a dozen or so people are permitted to possess them. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. And a quiet, snowy covert makes a grouse flush all-the-more dramatic. Learn more about ruffed grouse management here. The PGC has no plans to reintroduce mountain lions or any other big predator into the state, Hardisky said. 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. There are no exceptions. However, recently I saw a photo of a melanistic bobcat, as black as could be, with bright yellow eyes. With lots of hens breeding in the spring, turkey populations can rise quickly. Why must I tag my harvested deer in the ear and not on the antlers? That said, even if it is against the step, if that is a house cat it is ginormous. Mountain lions weigh 90-160 pounds, while bobcats weigh 20-30 pounds. How do I report my elk harvest? For the latest information about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Healths website at www.health.pa.gov. Mountain lions are also great jumpers and swimmers. Yes, they will be for the 2021-22 hunting license year. The story behind our new web site. However, it is unlawful to remove any historical or archeological artifact. Recently, on a back road in Pennsylvania, a friend and I had our first sighting of a coyote in Pennsylvania. Where can I find information about hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits? Instead, the person usually pauses, sometimes with a sheepish or embarrassed expression on his face, and seems reluctant to continue. Time is of the essence when it comes to reporting the location of a wild animal, so it's best to call, as opposed to report via email or social media. Are there pumas, or mountain lions, in Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic States? The last native mountain lion known to be killed in Pennsylvania is on display in the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Trapping provides relief from property damage for example from livestock predation or agricultural crops. I could fill pages recounting the eye-witness reports I've heard, and for every report critics could certainly say 'but there's no physical evidence!' I'm Cary Hardy, an education expert and consultant. 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. That may be true, or was once true, but even a declawed puma, if it can survive off rabbits and squirrels, and breeds, its offspring would be fully equipted to survive. Mountain Lion / Cougar sighting in Pennsylvania - October 2019 (Part 2) Flatsquatch Productions 1.8K subscribers Subscribe 4.7K views 3 years ago Scott describes his mountain lion /. The more hens there are to be bred, the more gobblers a hunter can expect to see in future seasons, Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs Dr. James Earl Kennamer said. *Please note: Comments posted on social media sites are always not shared with the commissioners or staff due to the high volume received. Elk hunters are encouraged to spend some time in Pennsylvanias elk country to become familiar with the area in advance of the elk hunting seasons. But even that little guy isn't prowling the Poconos yet. In response to COVID-19, is the Game Commission considering additional hunting opportunities or changes to existing hunting regulations? Mature trees are left standing and are typically not impacted by the fire, (unless that is the desired effect). The Pennsylvania Game Commission is headquartered at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg, in Dauphin County. Pictures dating to the 1930s have appeared over the years in the Pennsylvania Game Commissions magazine Game News. Traps are a tool that can be used for a variety of reasons. If so, what would happen to the hunting industry in all of these states? Granted, the image is not great, and I used some Photoshop adjustment layers to enhance the image, making it a bit easier to see. Click here for more information about HuntFishPA. years are available through this link. Yet there is a taste for meat of threatened wild animals in other parts of the worldtoo many species to list, said Allan. Supplemental feeding is not necessary to sustain wildlife populations. Running may stimulate a mountain lions instinct to chase. Yet, all is not lost. But they are less shy of pets and livestock, and they don't necessarily stay in the woods, either. The State Museum of Pennsylvania, in Harrisburg, displays a taxidermy mount of a mountain lion in glass case, with the notation, "This lion, found near Hawk Mountain in Berks County around 1871, is the last native mountain lion known to have been shot in Pennsylvania.". Are there Mountain Lions (Pumas, Cougars) in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic States? Thank you for your interest in Pennsylvania wildlife. Bear licenses can also be purchased at an issuing agent where they can walk out the door with the license that same day. 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