November 2019 • Nebraskaland 41
A mountain lion investigates a
rock cranny in the Pine Ridge. At a
quick glance, the tail is a feature
that effectively differentiates the
appearance of a mountain lion
(especially a young one) from
a bobcat, the smaller wildcat
species in Nebraska. At 2-3 feet
long, the cougar's long, muscular
dark-tipped tail makes up about
40 percent of its body length and
provides counter balance while
climbing and during quick turns
over uneven terrain. The bobcat's
tail, in contrast, makes up less
than 10 percent of its body length
at five or six inches.
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Learning into the
Future
Nebraska's mountain lion research
is scheduled to continue. Critical
to that research is the cooperation
received from farmers, ranchers and
other landowners in the study area.
Whether it is allowing captures, cluster
examinations or trail cameras on their
property, landowner support and input
is always welcome to the efforts and
aids the research.
"Our mountain lion management
and research could not be successful
without their help and cooperation,"
Wilson said.
Even though Game and Parks has
gathered a wealth of information
about this remarkable species, there is
certainly more to learn. By combining
a variety of methods, both researchers
and the greater public can learn about
a species that gets a lot of attention by
many but is rarely seen.
N
Landowners should immediately
contact their nearest Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission office if they find or
suspect livestock losses from mountain
lions.
