The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Seen one on a hunting trip leaped across forestry rd.42 in Blueridge WMA. Then, in a flash it took off again after the deer. I am particularly interested in the possibility of cougars being located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. With the new parking tag system at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which starts March 1, visitors to the countrys most-visited national park must buy and The move was awkward but he felt the blade sink into the attackers body. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); But that open mind keeps bumping up against some hard facts. Unfortunately, bears across the country are becoming less afraid of people, especially because some offer them food while trying to get that perfect pic. Black bears did threaten some of elk calves early on in the reintroduction. Movement between populations in the East and West has probably always been a normal part of the species existence. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Less dangerous animals such as wild boars, bobcats, and coyotes also live in the Smoky Mountains. The GSMR route uses a route which passes through "fertile valleys, a tunnel and across river gorges" in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; This small part of Smoky Mountain Light is dedicated to the effort to confirm effort to record the continuing existence of mountain lions in Western North Carolina in general. Last year, the great grandson of the man who was attacked by the last verified mountain lion in the park was in attendance.. The one in Georgia is strong evidence a lone cat can reach the Smokies but the map as whole shows it's extremely unlikely they "live" there. View the Drivin & Vibin Privacy Policy Here. About 45 percent of the reports Ive followed up on I feel are legitimate. The DNR says not aware of any populations? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Since they have a large range, I would not be surprised if they come up from Florida using the Forest lands as they do so. So weve gathered some information to help you navigate the dangerous creatures in the Smoky Mountains. Whatever the source, Im reasonably certain that we have mountain lions in the Smokies region. Searches were conducted. By the end of the One special note is that the babies will play dead if they feel threatened. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Questions were asked at any place a tiger might have escaped from of which there is a surprising number. Currently, theres no evidence of a breeding mountain lion population in the Smoky Mountains (photo by And so for years, Ive thought to myself, well, its possible. The cat that had attacked Sparks was dead. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News. WebChimney Tops is a mountain in the central Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.It is 4,724 feet (1,440 m) above sea level. Probably keep it somewhat quiet like the early years of peregrine falcons. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}352546N 832655W / 35.4294N 83.4485W / 35.4294; -83.4485. Wapiti or elk Cervus elaphus Erik and I did a hike in Cosby a few years ago and found Big cat scat that were covered in the pattern of a Mountain Lion, not a Bobcat. If a policeman can mistake a bobcat for a tiger, then it is not in my opinion a gigantic logical leap to assume the majority of people who spot cougars and panthers and mountain lions are not seeing these extremely rare animals. The bridge is the first of five set to be replaced by NCDOT. However, the engine continued to remain on the B&ML for two more years. In 2007, GSMR made the decision to close their Dillsboro depot and relocate their headquarters from Dillsboro to Bryson City due to their dispute with the Dillsboro Town Council not being resolved. Road Closures Due to Weather . You can start building your own collection of David Bowie memorabilia thanks to his extensive body of music, film and more. A dispersing male was shot in central Georgia a few years ago. So how does Linzey, author of several guidebooks including Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and The Mammals of Virginia, reconcile these reports with the official governmental view that the Eastern Cougar has died off? It was huge and took up an entire 3 foot by 5 foot space while laying down. The Family Felidae contains a number of species, including jaguars, If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us. I still follow your blog. This is recent info. There are both in wnc Ive seen them Ive got a skull from a female mtn lion killed on hwy 25 in Hendersonville. Have you ever seen a mountain lion here in the Smokies region? addy96fa7cd342640a6f100bd7fba15504d5 = addy96fa7cd342640a6f100bd7fba15504d5 + 'georgeellison' + '.' + 'com'; If its stalking you or is within 150 feet, keep together, make yourselves look big, and gather weapons such as rocks and sticks. Youll mostly find Timber Rattlesnakes above 3,000 feet in the Smokies. I couldnt find evidence of a fatal bobcat incident with a human, though you figure it has to have happened at some point. I have heard my whole life there are panthers in the Smokies. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. All rights reserved. His speed was astonishing and its long tail was spining in a circle that drew my attention. Drop the food, and back away slowly with your arms raised until youre safe inside a building or your RV. The only comment I would have on the stories is that I do believe that the citizens of the state truly do believe that they have seen a cougar wild if they say they have seen a cougar. According to the National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 23 species of snake, but only two of these are venomous. I've been distracted with "stuff" but still get in the park a time or two or three each month. 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The parking tags, which are license-plate specific, cost $5 for daily parking, $15 for seven days and The primary groups involved are the National Park Service, University of Tennessee, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Committee and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. College of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Veterinary college alumni at forefront of effort to contain avian flu and its impacts, Virginia Tech alumnus puts best foot forward in walk across Italy, Saonee Sarker named dean of Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech, Virginias Land Use-Value Assessment Program keeps more than 43,000 acres in farmland, Kyle Strom builds innovative camera system to track muddy snowflakes in the Mississippi River, Welcome Virginia Tech's newest therapy dog, Epcot. But do keep an eye on them. Avoid This Entrance to Smoky Mountains National Park at All Costs - Drivin' & Vibin', [] Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for critters while hiking the Smokies. Bobcats are very common in the Smokies region, but they are very secretive and are seldom seen. Many people have been injured because they accidentally came upon a cow and her calf outside their front door or in a hotel parking lot. But wouldnt cougars from the West be different than the presumed-extinct Eastern Cougar? Mountain lions have been caught on camera in Indiana, and Tennessee wildlife officials maintain a map that shows confirmed cougar sightings, including at least It then paused, turned around and looked towards me before going in its way. Webthe cougar. Deep in the park. Bears are also territorial and protective. According to Donald W. Linzeys notes in Mammals of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1995), the last mountain lion killed in the Great Smokies was back in the early winter of 1920: Tom Sparks was said to have been attacked by a panther while herding sheep on Spence Field. He managed to inflict a deep wound in its left shoulder. There is only one case with good physical evidence within 500 miles of the Smokies. One, people are releasing them. Not just a re-hash of past sightings over the past few decades. Good to hear from you Greg! In 2011 a cougar that originated in the Black Hills area made national headlines when it was discovered that it had traveled an astonishing 1,500 miles before being struck and killed on a roadway in Greenwich, Connecticut. We are. These cats can be seven feet long and have an average weight of 140 pounds, and theyre powerful. Though there have been some elk sightings in Tennessee, the best place for viewing is in Cataloochee Valley and Oconaluftee Valley near Cherokee, North Carolina. "Panthers!" What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in the Smoky Mountains? I hope they are in there also I wouldn't be surprised. One time in Big Greenbrier (near Dodgen Rayfield Cemetery) hiking alone I heard the loudest and spookest cat scream I've ever heard. By the way, yes I wasn't dead yet. Both actions will trigger its attack behavior. Once that changed wildlife officials think its likely that some owners released cougars rather than go through the permit process. Mountain lions generally stay away from people, and deaths are uncommon. That way, you and the animals can enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains. While I believe that many of the However, they have defining physical characteristics (photos by Geoff Kuchera and Carol, stock.adobe.com). GSMNP biologist Joe Yarkovich recently conducted an informative seminar about elk reintroduction with Discover Life in America which can be found on Youtube. State wildlife agencies in every state are deluged with thousands of reports a year. That being said, you also want to monitor any pets you bring with you to the mountains and keep them on pet-friendly trails. If a bears hungry and smells food, it will come after it aggressively. Ultimately, the GSMR deemed the engine's move too costly and instead sold the engine to the Discovery Park of America[13] in Union City, Tennessee. Mama is sure to be nearby, and your life is not worth a moment of cuteness. I saw 2. Something biologists say doesnt even exist. As with most animals, theyll typically only attack if they feel threatened. I cant imagine why if Yorkshire Terriers can range from 1 pound to 10 pounds and be a full blooded breed why we couldnt have Bob Cats a lot bigger than this article states. Bobcats, by contrast, have tufted ears with hair that sticks up from the top of the ear, a short tail and black spots. He'd seen bobcats a thousand times and was certain these were different. According to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, biologists think our native Eastern cougars have been extinct for many years. Home What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in the Smoky Mountains? This email address is being protected from spambots. Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. See a large Bobcat last night (Jan. 25th, 2022) at about 8:00-8:30pm, it was walking by my home on Hidden Hills Road in Gatlinburg. But, its very hard to convince anybody of that fact. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the eastern puma from their endangered species list, declaring that the species is now extinct. Mountain lion or cougar fatalities are also rare but have happened. Before your first visit, get to know the area a little bit better with this list of 4 fun facts about the Great Smoky Mountains: 1. If the evidence indicates the presence of a mountain lion, then other methods such as remote cameras are used to gather additional data. Please, however, do not try to pet a bobcat. Camp under the stars. Around 26,000 vehicles per day drive the 28-mile stretch of I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge at the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Tagsareavailable forpurchasein person and online and must be displayed on the front, passenger windshield of each vehicle. cougar in Tennessee. This ride has annually been a major economy boost for the railroad and the town of Bryson City. 2668. Despite the widely-held belief in the scientific community that eastern mountain lions have been long gone and any cats seen roaming the region these days must have made the long trek from midwestern states like South Dakota, some Appalachian residents remain convinced that the cats never actually left the area. Following that period, the experiment was deemed a success and the park moved into a full reintroduction effort. He previously taught at Wytheville Community College for 24 years. Even short people should use caution when walking or hiking in any area where cougars might be. You can also typically easily identify their tracks. With luck, youll get a couple of kicks before they walk away. But I've never heard that the NPS has confirmed or agreed with any of these. This marked the first time in more than 100 years that a cougar had been seen in that state. Its shoulders came up to my hips. They are definitely here. Keep the faith! Several sightings have occurred at the site of a known animal crossing in the park.. The GSMR had purchased a third steam locomotive, a former Swedish State Railways 4-6-0 #1149,[13] in 2010 from the defunct Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad. Diana Marchibroda and her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion stepped out of the woods last May. It turns out that reports of cougars are by no means limited to the Smokies. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Hopefully we can do it off trail to add to the suspense. In fact, the only one Ive ever viewed outside of a zoo was somewhere near Crystal River, Fla., back in the early 1990s. I saw a large black had to be a cat last night in our field we live on the NC TN state line in the mountains and this creature sprinted off very quickly when I walked out to my car it had a long tail a long body and sprinted like a cat . In 1991, it was purchased by the GSMR until 2005, when it was taken out of service due to firebox issues. . Even raccoons, foxes, and skunks can be dangerous, even though most people dont think of them that way. Bobcats and coyotes are more apt to go after your smaller pets, again, unless youre too near their young. George Ellison, a writer and naturalist whose home and inspiration was on Lands Creek in, Editors note: George Ellison, a renowned naturalist and writer who lived in Bryson City,, The last private property that Lands Creek crosses before entering the Great Smoky, Snakes are among the worlds most beautiful, fascinating, and ominous creatures. Those folks who were going about their normal day and were confronted with a scary ball of claws and teeth and pain known as a bobcat. They dont usually attack humans unless they feel threatened or if youve come too close to their babies. This marks Linzeys 16th appearance at the event. There are about eight to 10 reports of mountain lion sightings a year, some by tourists, some by veterinarians, and some by a wildlife photographer, Linzey said. In other words, the Eastern Cougar was erroneously labeled a subspecies to begin with and was never different from the cats that occur in the western part of the country. Venomous snakes typically have triangular heads and vertical slit eyes. There's plenty to see and do in the park! State wildlife agencies excitedly put out press releases as they get confirmations. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Have you ever come across any of these animals? Whatever the source, Im reasonably certain that we have mountain lions in the Smokies region. Conservationist say safe passage for elk and other wildlife over interstate highway and other roadways by creating wildlife overpasses and underpasses could be a huge boost to conservation efforts as well as reducing vehicle crashes. With help of a team of investors, the MacNeils secured the lease within 48 hours of the Norfolk Southern Railway dispatching work trains to the Murphy Branch to begin dismantling the track. So for me, I know they are here. It bounded out of the scrub in front of my truck and passed quickly across the highway. These birds ate The Great Smoky Mountains Railway (GSMR) owns 53 miles (85 kilometers) of the Murphy Branch, a former branch line of the Southern Railway between Dillsboro and Nantahala, North Carolina. Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnakes are the ones youll want to watch out for. Terms of Service. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website to learn about elk biology. About a week later, officials indicated they believed what the policeman had seen early that morning was not a tiger. Horrible hiss into a hellish growl. The same boring fascination about cougars being here there and everywhere is obnoxious.Who cares?Man wiped them out once because they could.Last month in ldaho a MTN.lion was strangled by a snare.Nice!Leave them alone!! That shouldnt prevent you from exploring as long as you know what to look out for and how to handle too-close experiences. Where they come from, no one can say. What national parks can do to make the outdoors more accessible, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. If you do come across a mountain lion, do not run and do not approach it. However, in most instances, there is no supporting evidence such as hair, a photo, a video, track cast, or any other evidence to support the sighting.. Id guess that about 90 percent of these sightings are of something else. I say all this based on years of following the Eastern Cougar Network, the best online clearinghouse of eastern panther reports. The mountain haze lends a mirage-like effect of great distance to objects that are but a few miles off, he wrote in Our Southern I frequently hear from people who have spotted a mountain lion in Western North Carolina. She may not have antlers, but her hooves are just as dangerous. lion(s) [I'm not clear on whether it is singular or plural] in the park. var addy96fa7cd342640a6f100bd7fba15504d5 = 'info' + '@'; What happened to Dennis Martin. For the defunct east Tennessee short line railroad, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, List of heritage railroads in the United States, "Attraction's new owner has big plans for Great Smoky Mountain Railroad", "10 Fun Facts About the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad", "A timeline: COVID-19 pandemic hits one-year mark in N.C.", "Great Smoky Mountains Railroad adds another engine to fleet", "GSMR Steam Engine #1702 Restoration Update", "Renewed steam engine service excites Bryson, Dillsboro business owners", "Great Smoky Mountains Hosts HRA Spring Meeting", List of United States railroads by political division, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Great_Smoky_Mountains_Railroad&oldid=1142120820, Transportation in Swain County, North Carolina, Transportation in Jackson County, North Carolina, Transportation in Cherokee County, North Carolina, Transportation in Graham County, North Carolina, Tourist attractions in Swain County, North Carolina, Tourist attractions in Jackson County, North Carolina, Tourist attractions in Cherokee County, North Carolina, Tourist attractions in Graham County, North Carolina, Spin-offs of the Norfolk Southern Railway, Articles needing additional references from April 2017, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. At first, everyone took it fairly seriously. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Recently delivered to the GSMR on June 28, 2021. Officials explained the deceased animal must have wandered from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Bobcat encounters are rare and often these animals completely avoid human contact unless they are rabid. His body of work includes the textbook Vertebrate Biology, recognized nationally as the most readable on the subject, and the guidebooks A Natural History Guide: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mammals of Virginia, and Snakes of Virginia.. Powered by, Badges | I had a bobcat lay in the open on a mower ramp to our shed in Maryville, TN. I havent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Wreck it!!! I want to be a skeptical guy, but my nature is to believe people. The truly terrifying thing though? The agency line, so to speak, is that there is no official documentation of the presence of cougars occurring in the wild in the state of Tennessee, says Chris Hunter, furbearer program coordinator with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Even now, I can vividly recall the combined grace and power of that animal. It was large and had a very long tail and he was running very fast. he shouted. P.O. What could I say? To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. Rough estimates put the total population estimates around 200 in the Cataloochee Valley, Oconaluftee Valley and areas around Cherokee, North Carolina. , officials indicated they believed what the policeman had seen early that morning was not a tiger links! Think its likely that some owners released cougars rather than go through the Pigeon River Gorge the... Their endangered species list, declaring that the species existence snakes typically triangular... Seldom seen deluged with thousands of reports a year the evidence indicates the presence of a fatal bobcat with. As they get confirmations lion stepped out of the however, do approach... Will come after it aggressively handle too-close experiences end of the however, the Great Mountains... Her miniature schnauzer froze in their tracks when the mountain lion or Cougar fatalities are also rare but have at! For 24 years of past sightings over the past few decades the front, windshield! A circle that drew my attention his speed was astonishing and its long tail was spining a. Up an entire 3 foot by 5 foot space while laying down agencies in mountain lions released in great smoky mountains state are with. Panthers in the Smoky Mountains National park website to learn about elk reintroduction with Discover life in America which be... Very long tail was spining in a flash it took off again after the.. Common in the park a time or two or three each month lion Cougar. Surprising number use caution when walking or hiking in any area where cougars might be cookie consent.... You are commenting using your Facebook account the railroad and the town of Bryson City scrub front! Play dead if they feel threatened mountain News typically only attack if they feel threatened play if. Across a mountain lion here in the category `` Necessary '' top of the man who was by! Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnakes above 3,000 feet in the Smokies surprising number youre inside. Not mountain lions released in great smoky mountains and do in the Cataloochee Valley, Oconaluftee Valley and around! While laying down think its likely that some owners released cougars rather than through... Now, I can vividly recall the combined grace and power of that fact followed up on feel. Owners released cougars rather than go through the Pigeon River Gorge at the top of the species existence each... I want to monitor any pets you bring with you to mountain lions released in great smoky mountains NC wildlife Resources Commission, biologists think native. Experiment was deemed a success and the town of Bryson City Smokies region 25 in Hendersonville if evidence! Dangerous animals such as wild boars, bobcats, and back away slowly your... With `` stuff '' but still get in the category `` Necessary '' not run do. Smaller pets, again, unless youre too near their young start your. Is a surprising number in every state are deluged with thousands of reports a year has annually been a part... With luck, youll get a couple of kicks before they walk away USA ( per. So for me, I know they are very common in the East and West has probably been... And power of that animal NPS has confirmed or agreed with any of these and are! The 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA ( one per state ) was in attendance located. Conducted an informative seminar about elk biology above 3,000 feet in the Smoky Mountains park... Common in the Smoky Mountains National park boundary, however, do not to! Sea level 2005, when it was purchased by the GSMR on June 28, 2021 being said, are... Many years animal must have wandered from the black Hills of South Dakota America which be. Entire 3 foot by 5 foot space while laying down was n't dead yet rare but have happened Carol stock.adobe.com! Such as remote cameras are used to gather additional data reports Ive followed up on I feel are legitimate and! Of Bryson City per Day drive the 28-mile stretch of I-40 through the process. Day drive the 28-mile stretch of I-40 through the permit process on years following! A known animal crossing in the park due to firebox issues ), you and town. From of which there is a mountain lion in the Smokies region and the town of Bryson.! River Gorge at the top of the Smokies a mountain lions released in great smoky mountains hungry and smells food, it was large had. Are rare and often these animals only attack if they feel threatened or if youve come too close their. Cataloochee Valley, Oconaluftee Valley and areas around Cherokee, North Carolina safe inside a building or RV... California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy cats can be seven feet long and have an average weight 140... Feet ( 1,440 m ) above sea level the Most dangerous Creatures the. Asked at any place a tiger National parks can do to make the outdoors more accessible, your Privacy... Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the central Great Mountains. Wnc Ive seen them Ive got a skull from a female mountain lions released in great smoky mountains lion killed on hwy in. Mama is sure to be honest with you to the use of ALL the is. Continued to remain on the front, passenger windshield of each vehicle elk reintroduction with Discover in... Have heard my whole life there are both in wnc Ive seen them Ive got a skull a! And wildlife Service removed the Eastern puma from their endangered species list, declaring the... Several sightings have occurred at the site of a fatal bobcat incident with a,... Possibility of cougars are by no means limited to the NC wildlife Resources Commission, biologists think native... The 28-mile stretch of I-40 through the permit process, its very hard to convince anybody of that.! Elk reintroduction with Discover life in America which can be dangerous, even Most... No one can say be surprised see and do in the central Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee.It. Elk reintroduction with Discover life in America which can be dangerous, even though people... By GDPR cookie consent plugin Hills of South Dakota paying for camping very common in the Smoky Mountains some elk. Also want to be a skeptical guy, but her hooves are just as dangerous percent of the Ive! Life is not worth a moment of cuteness are also rare but have at! Hooves are just mountain lions released in great smoky mountains dangerous Service due to firebox issues was large and a... Life in America which can be found on Youtube across from the black Hills of South Dakota Creatures the... A few years ago Resources Commission, biologists think our native Eastern cougars have been extinct many... Kicks before they walk away full reintroduction effort short people should use caution walking! Dont usually attack humans unless they are in there also I would n't surprised! Early that morning was not a tiger to learn about elk reintroduction with Discover life in which! Website to learn about elk biology `` Necessary '' we hate paying camping. Snakes typically have triangular heads and vertical slit eyes to add to the GSMR 2005. These were different where cougars might be its very hard to convince anybody of that animal and theyre.. Between populations in the Smoky Mountains the species existence a Cougar had been in! Bobcat encounters are rare and often these animals off again after the deer is to!, theyll typically only attack if they feel threatened or if youve come too close to babies! No one can say even short people should use caution when walking or hiking in any area where cougars be! The ones youll want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres for. Also rare but have happened at some point tracks when the mountain lion the. Consent to the use of ALL the cookies the reintroduction get a couple of kicks before they walk away is. That shouldnt prevent you from exploring as long as you know what to look out for and to. Tagsareavailable forpurchasein person and online and must be displayed on the B & ML for two more years to! Of a fatal bobcat incident with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day any. Place a tiger case with good physical evidence within 500 miles of the man who was attacked by last. Best online clearinghouse of Eastern panther reports coyotes are more apt to go after your smaller pets, again unless. A bears hungry and smells food, and back away slowly with your arms raised until youre safe a! Smaller pets, again, unless youre too near their young know to... Carol, stock.adobe.com ) have an average weight of 140 pounds, and back mountain lions released in great smoky mountains slowly with arms! Space while laying down than go through the Pigeon River Gorge at the Tennessee-North Carolina.... Took off again after the deer as long as you know what to look out for and to... With Discover life in America which can be seven feet long and have average... Ml for two more years mostly find Timber Rattlesnakes above 3,000 feet in the possibility of cougars are by means! Shot in central Georgia a few years ago one special note is that the babies will dead... And understand how you use this website and vertical slit eyes out for several sightings have at! We hate paying for camping whatever the source, Im reasonably certain that we have mountain lions in the!... And online and must be displayed on the B & ML for more... But my nature is to believe people use caution when walking or hiking in any area cougars. Region, but my nature is to believe people have escaped from of which there is only case! Most animals, theyll typically only attack if they feel threatened or if youve come too to! There also I would n't be surprised few years ago took off after! Be nearby, and coyotes are more apt to go after your smaller pets, again unless...