Further evidence of cougars (Puma concolor) in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that Cougars (Puma concolor) were present on the Ontario landscape from 1935 to 2010. During 2012 and 2014, six pieces of evidence were collected that verified that Cougars were present in Ontario at that time. (1) A scat found near Collingwood, Ontario, was confirmed as containing Cougar DNA. (2) A Cougar was photographed by a member of the public near Pefferlaw, Ontario, and the photograph was proven to be authentic. (3) A Cougar was photographed near Kenora, Ontario. (4) A Cougar was observed near Kenora, Ontario, and tracks confirmed the sighting. (5) A Cougar attacked a dog near Bracebridge, Ontario; the animal was subsequently shot by police and DNA evidence indicated that it had at one time been in captivity. (6) A cougar was photographed and later captured near Grafton, Ontario.