The Majestic Mountain Lion Of South Dakota – What To Do If One Crosses Your Path

Mountain lions are like tornadoes. They are beautiful, dangerous, and rarely seen. If you see a mounting lion, that means trouble in the same way as if you see a tornado.

Mountain lions in South Dakota mostly live in the Black Hills. South Dakota Game Fish and Parks estimates that there are almost 300 lions that call the Hills home nowadays.

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But, they aren't exclusive to the tree-covered mini-mountains West River. They have been spotted all over the state, even in town. Like tornadoes, they don't come to town every year, but it is possible.

The big cats could be on the move for territory, breeding, or food. Possibly forced into unfamiliar areas because of weather and human expansion.

What is a Mountain Lion?

Is a Mountain Lion the same as a cougar, puma, or panther? In short, yes. They are all names for the same animal, a big cat native to the Americas. They can be found from North America's far north to South America's far south.

Mountain Lions are actually in the Gunniss Book of World Records as the animal with the most names. It is known by at least 40 different names. What you call it is mostly determined by where you are. In Latin America, it's commonly called 'Puma.' In our part of the world, it's a mountain lion, because it's mostly associated with mountainous places. In other parts of the continent, it is more commonly called a cougar. But they are all talking about the same beautiful animal.

What To Do if You Meet a Mountain Lion

Whether you're hiking in the Black Hills or walking the dog early on a summer morning in Sioux Falls, if you come face to face with your housecat's country cousin, the same advice applies.

Mountain lion attacks are rare. There's only been a handful of reported deaths from cougar attacks, and none in South Dakota, so far.

You can go your whole life and never see one, but they are there. If they are young, especially hungry, or guarding it's territory, you could get (un)lucky.

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South Dakota Game Fish and Parks offers some tips: