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

Authors

  • Rick Rosatte Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Lil Anderson Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 808 Robertson Street, Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X9
  • Doug Campbell Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Ontario/Nunavut Region, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
  • Christine Ouellet Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensics Centre, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Brad White Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensics Centre, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8
  • Tasnova Khan Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, A. E. Wood Hatchery, 507 Staples Road, San Marcos, Texas 78666
  • Paul Van Schyndel Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parry Sound District, Bracebridge Area, R.R. 2, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1W9
  • Randy Pepper Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parry Sound District, Bracebridge Area, R.R. 2, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1W9
  • Christy MacDonald Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parry Sound District, Bracebridge Area, R.R. 2, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1W9
  • Wil Wegman Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 50 Bloomington Road, Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8
  • Mike Allan Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Trent University, DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v129i3.1728

Keywords:

Cougar, DNA, endangered, Ontario, puma, Puma concolor

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.

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Published

2015-10-28

Issue

Vol. 129 No. 3 (2015)

Section

Notes

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