Re(7): Why do you want to confirm the existence of mountain lions in New England? IP: 50.204.144.106 Posted on December 18, 2013 at 03:32:11 PM by weather01089
Virgina Fifield sent either casts or photos to Oregon to confirm they were Cougar prints, and they were confirmed. Others have been found in Goshen since, and a large cat was moving around between there south to Huntington during 2012. It killed a cow in Huntington in the summer of 2012. Also attacked a horse in Plainfield. (assuming same cat). Ill find that citation for you, it was relatively recent. Since the species had the entire range 200 years ago, its not such a stretch that they would be the same species.
That was the only evidence Virginia was able to find during her visit though.
There are a number of DNA samples out to various places as we speak from Southern New England. Unfortunately its expensive as you know, and the states certainly don't have the budget.
There was also a burst of activity in Agawam/Feeding Hills in the 1980's. Tracks were found on a farm near the Suffield Line, and the cat attacked some dogs on North Westfield St. One dog was bitten and severely injured, and it carried a large collie off that was never found. Dr. Shouse (Vet), examined and measured the teeth marks on the injured dog and stated it clearly was a cougar. This was at the Kerr property on North West St. Probably still have the newspaper article. Replies: