Some Imperial residents recently spotted a big cat in their backyard they thought was a mountain lion, but it turned out to be the more common bobcat, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported.
After the residents reported “a possible mountain lion sighting in their backyard” on Sept. 5 and shared a photograph they had taken of the animal, the Sheriff’s Office contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation, which determined the animal was not a mountain lion, but instead a bobcat.
The bobcat had been sighted in a neighborhood near Old Lemay Ferry and Lions Den roads, said Capt. Ron Arnhart of the Sheriff’s Office.
Some area mountain lion sightings have been confirmed, according to conservation agents, but they’re not prevalent, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
“Evidence indicates these mountain lions are from states west of Missouri and are passing through in search of mates or territory,” the report said. “MDC has no confirmed evidence of a breeding population in Missouri.”
“Mountain lions are naturally shy of humans,” conservation agents told the Sheriff’s Office.
So, if one is spotted in the area, it poses little danger to people, the report said.
“Mountain lions prey principally on deer and medium-sized mammals,” according to the report.
“Bobcats may occasionally kill livestock and pets, (but) there is no substantive evidence that a mountain lion has ever attacked livestock, pets or people in Missouri,” the report said. “They are not scavengers and are not attracted to discarded trash. Both bobcats and mountain lions prefer to have live kills as both cats are carnivores. Predatory animals usually stay away from human habitation.”
If a local resident does encounter a bobcat or a mountain lion, conservation agents say the person should remain calm and be careful.
“Do not approach the animal,” the report said. “Hold small children and keep older children close (and) leash dogs. Avoid rapid movements like running. Make your presence known, then slowly back away and leave the area. If the animal is aggressive, prepare to defend yourself using whatever weapons you have available.”
The MDC wants to know about mountain lion sightings and encourages residents to report them.
For more information about mountain lions or other conservation topics, go to MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov.