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| Distribution |
In NC, it apparently occurred statewide into the 1800's, as there are "Panther" place names scattered across the state. However, the species strongly declined over the past 150 years or more; the last likely valid records were in the 1880s [Lee et al. (1982)]. Unfortunately, there are no skulls or other parts of specimens that seem to reside in museum collections for 100% documentation that it occurred in the state, though there are historical reports of its presence here. Despite rumors of "Panther" sightings in the state into the 1980's, the few recent records were of known or presumed escaped or pet individuals. Most (if not all) agencies consider the species to be extirpated in NC as of the 21st Century.
Formerly occurred over most of North America. Currently, essentially limited to the western third of the continent, from the Rockies to the Pacific, though it occurs into Central and South America; a few still occur in southern FL. |
| Abundance |
Former abundance in NC was not known. It is now presumably absent in the state, leaving FL as the only state east of the Mississippi River still having wild Cougars. Note that the Eastern Cougar (Puma concolor couguar) is both Federally and State listed as Endangered. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Occurred year-round. |
| Habitat |
Formerly in NC likely occurred in extensive forests, including swamps and other wetlands. Over most of its range, it favors mountains and other rocky areas with forested cover. |
| Behavior |
It is strictly nocturnal in its activity. |
| Comments |
Sight reports still persist in NC into the 21st Century, but such reports are declining. Even photos would not be conclusive now, as escaped pets and zoo animals still occur from time to time. |
| Origin |
Extirpated |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
SX |
| State Status |
E |
| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
E |
| subspecies |
Puma concolor couguar (Federal and State Endangered) |
| other_comName |
Mountain Lion, Panther, Puma |
| synonym |
Felis concolor |
