Current Project
Panther (Felis concolor)
Both the eastern and the Florida panther were known to range throughout eastern Untied States and Canada. With the exception of Southern Florida, the present status of the panther in the East is uncertain. Although many sightings are reported each year, only limited solid evidence of their continued existence has surfaced in recent years. Palmer (1954) stated: "There is reason to believe that it (panther) exist in small numbers in some areas where it has long been thought to be absent". The last record of a panther killed in the Smokies occurred as late as 1920 when W. Orr killed a panther near what is now Fontana Village in western North Carolina.
Extirpated Species Foundation will support reintroduction of the Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) into the historic range. Disjunct isolated populations of the Florida Panther might still exist in the deep south in states other than Florida. Research is needed to find and identify such populations. Mixing of individuals from isolated populations will enhance the genetic diversity within the subspecies.
Reintroduction of cougars within their historic range of the eastern panther (Felis concolor couguar) should not be attempted until the current status of the subspecies is clearly established.
After many years of conducting interviews with credible witnesses, ESF believes panthers were never totally extirpated from much of the eastern United States. Witnesses include wildlife biologist, park rangers, law officers, vets, and other credible professionals. Cougar numbers plummeted to a low point after deer populations were exterminated by early settlers and hunters. As deer numbers have gradually returned to all time highs throughout the east, panther numbers and sightings have dramatically increased in recent years.
Panthers are found in a wide range of habitats from boreal forest, deserts, and scrub lands to rain forest and deciduous forest. The director attended the first eastern cougar conference in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1994. There, he met and talked with noted cougar biologists such as Bob Downing and Jay Tischendorf. Contrary to public opinion cougars can live very effectively in close proximity to man. Researchers in Arizona have recorded cats moving in and out of the city of Tucson on a regular basis. Radio collared cougars in California routinely move through large housing developments and are even known to drink from swimming pools. In both cases, no one ever reported seeing a cougar.
ESF Research Proposal
1). Use motion sensor trail cameras to establish occurrence and travel patterns.
2). Use foot snares to, trap and radio collar cats to establish territories, habitat use and etc.
3). Collect hair and tissue samples to establish DNA data.
4). Determine origin of cats (Released pets or eastern panther)
5). Establish long term management plan for the subspecies.
ESF is currently using motion activated trail cameras in areas known for panther sightings.
Student volunteers placing motion sensor trail cameras near
Central High School in Harrison ,Tennessee. Ethan Wright attaches
camera, as Billy Sholtz hangs aluminum pie plate for visual lure
and Samuel Capehart pours cougar urine on a pile of leaves for
scent attractant.
Additional Links:
Evidence mounting that elusive cougars are back in Smokies park
Eastern Cougar / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Using Science to Understand Cougar Ecology
Eastern Cougar / North Carolina Endangered and Threatened Species