38 2020 Annual Report
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Wildlife
M O U N T A I N L I O N R E S E A R C H U P D A T E
Mountain lions have recolonized three areas in Nebraska since the first modern
confirmation in 1991. The Pine Ridge, Niobrara River Valley and Wildcat Hills all have
documented resident populations, and dispersing animals can wander to any part of the
state. In order to properly manage this species using the best available science, staff
have been conducting intensive research on mountain lions since 2010.
Mountain lion research in Nebraska is primarily comprised of genetic surveys utilizing
a scat detector dog, GPS collaring efforts and trail camera surveys. Genetic surveys
during May – June 2019 provided an estimate of 34 mountain lions in the Pine Ridge,
down from the previous high of 59 in 2017. This was vital in determining proper harvest
levels for the Pine Ridge mountain lion harvest seasons. The next genetic survey of the
Pine Ridge is planned for the summer of 2021.
Ninety mountain lions have been collared or ear-tagged in Nebraska since February
2015. Forty-three of those were collared and 47 kittens were ear-tagged. Thirty-six
of the animals collared were in the Pine Ridge, with five collared in the Wildcat Hills,
and two in the Niobrara Valley. The initial phase of the GPS collaring study focused
on providing an additional estimate of abundance, as well as determining prey
composition. The prey composition investigations are finished and results are being
analyzed. The next phase of the mountain lion research will focus on documenting
expansion or contraction of populations and dispersal.
A female mountain lion awakens after being sedated, tagged and collared by Game and Parks staff on the
Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area.
JUSTIN
HAAG,
NEBRASKALAND
MAGAZINE
JUSTIN
HAAG,
NEBRASKALAND
MAGAZINE
