Mountain lion kittens found in Oklahoma
CIMARRON COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, mountain lion kittens were seen in two counties in 2024, indicating a healthy ecosystem.
Officials say photographs of an adult mountain lion and two half-grown kittens were taken in Osage County in October 2024.
More photos were taken of an adult mountain lion and three kittens in Cimarron County in December 2024.
“While exciting and interesting, these sightings are just one small piece of the puzzle needed to better understand this species,” said Jerrod Davis, furbearer biologist for the Wildlife Department. “It's our first piece of evidence that mountain lions may be breeding in Oklahoma, a key indicator the population is becoming established. 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. Our first focus should be evaluating the abundance and distribution of mountain lions in the state. We’ve been confirming sightings through our online reporting process for more than 20 years and may deploy more intensive camera arrays. Depending on those surveys, further research may be possible.”
According to ODWC, these photos show that mountain lions may be reproducing in Oklahoma. The department has 85 confirmed sightings of individual mountain lions since 2002, with an uptick in sightings in 2023, although some sightings may be of the same mountain lion.
Territories can fluctuate based on habitat conditions. ODWC says female mountain lions are thought to have a home range of up to 75 square miles, while males may be up to 275 square miles.
Mountain lions are able to reproduce at around two years of age, and most females have kittens in alternate years with an average litter size of three. The kittens can be born during any month, but they're usually born in correspondence with that of ungulates, the base prey group.
To learn more about ODWC or mountain lions sightings in Oklahoma, visit wildlifedepartment.com.