Missouri’s Oldest Mountain Lion Sighting Was Controversial

Missourians have been reporting mountain lion sightings for decades that easily pre-date the era of the internet. If you look back at the original first mountain lion sighting in the state that was documented, you'll find controversy and eventually fines.

As of this writing, there have been 135 mountain lion sightings confirmed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. If you look back at #1 on their list, you'll see it dates back over 32 years and includes an interesting story to go along with it.

It was New Year's Day, January 1, 1994 in Carter County, Missouri when the Department of Conservation says that a small adult female mountain lion was treed and shot by two raccoon hunters near the Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

Infographic, Missouri Dept of Conservation.gov

At the time, the Missouri Department of Conservation was never able to locate the carcass of the female mountain lion that was shot, but later they learned of a picture that was taken by the raccoon hunters showing the big cat on a tailgate. Once that proof was obtained, both raccoon hunters were fined $2,000 according to the Missouri Department of Conservation mountain lion sighting site.

Is it illegal to shoot a mountain lion in Missouri?

You are not allowed to kill a mountain lion in Missouri according to state regulations with just two very important exceptions. It's allowed if it's self-defense and your life is in danger or if it's protection of property. If that happens, you're required to contact the MDOC immediately and surrender the carcass. An investigation will follow to determine if you were protected under the law.