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Oklahoma wildlife director says mountain lion kittens confirmed in Osage and Cimarron counties
Summary
The department confirmed two mountain lion kittens, with photographic evidence and biologist confirmation, the director told the commission during the June 7 meeting.
Director Wade told the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation commission on June 7 that staff have confirmed two mountain lion kittens in Oklahoma — one in Osage County and one in Cimarron County — based on photographic evidence and biologist review.
The confirmations were made by Jared Davis, the department’s furbearer biologist, after staff reviewed trail-camera photos and supporting evidence, Wade said during the director’s report. “We do have 2 cats documented cases of kittens, 1 in Osage County, 1 in Cimarron,” Wade said. He added that most previously documented mountain-lion records in the state had been young males dispersing from regions such as the Black Hills; the department’s recent confirmations indicate females with confirmed breeding.
Why it matters: Confirmation of breeding female mountain lions indicates a different conservation and management consideration than occasional dispersing males. The department said the long-term implications for populations and management are not yet known.
What the department said
- Wade: Department staff and biologists reviewed trail-camera images and other evidence; two females with kittens were confirmed. Staff will continue monitoring and will provide additional details as they are available. - Jared Davis (furbearer biologist): credited in the meeting packet and director’s remarks for confirming the photographic evidence and producing the documentation.
Context and next steps
Wade said that while some trail-camera photos are false positives (house cats, dogs or misidentified animals), the department has established verification procedures. Officials said they will continue to gather data, including any available DNA or additional photographic records, and will update the public through departmental releases and social-media channels.
Ending
The department emphasized that confirmed breeding by females is a notable development; the commission did not take regulatory action on this item at the meeting but noted ongoing monitoring and reporting.
