Trail cameras capture mountain lion kittens for first time in Oklahoma. See them
.jpg "Mountain lion kittens were spotted for the first time in Oklahoma, conservationists said.")
New photos indicate that mountain lions in Oklahoma aren’t just passing through the state but rather are establishing families in the area.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently confirmed two sightings of adult lions with kittens for the first time in history, officials announced on June 10.
The first sighting was captured in Osage County in October where an adult lion was spotted with two kittens, photos show. In December, another adult was spotted on a trail camera with three kittens in Cimarron County.
Now, experts believe the confirmed sightings could mean that the species is establishing some roots in the state.
“It’s our first piece of evidence that mountain lions may be breeding in Oklahoma, a key indicator the population is becoming established,” biologist Jerrod Davis said in a statement. “That two female mountain lions have established at least part of their territories in Oklahoma is a direct reflection of a healthy ecosystem. It could open the door for potential research.”
Female lions typically establish themselves within a 75-mile range, while males’ ranges can reach 275 miles. Litters of mountain lions contain an average of three kittens, according to conservationists.
Eighty-five mountain lion sightings have been confirmed since 2002, according to conservation officials, but the kitten sighting is the first sign of reproduction in the state.
The majority of the sightings have occurred in the northeastern part of the state, the department said.
Nearby states have seen populations of mountain lions establish themselves, including Texas, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico.
In Oklahoma, mountain lions cannot be hunted, officials said. A 2007 state law allows for mountain lions to be killed only if they pose a threat to livestock or people.
Cimarron County is about a 380-mile drive west from Osage County. Osage County is about a 50-mile drive north from Tulsa.
