Cat Tales (Fairmont, Mannington, Poca: areas, population, pictures)

[snorpus]

Are there still mountain lions (cougars, pumas, etc.) in the West Virginia mountains?

The Mountain Times section of the Pocahontas Times examined the question last week.

[g_massie]

There is at Mongahelia National Forest near Watoga because I have game pictures of one. Im not sure on anywhere else but theres 1 for sure

[gtsurfer05]

There has been sighting of them by many people in the mountains. Most people attribute it to escapee or freed pumas. There is the chance that there are some remote areas where lions still roam. The interesting thing is that the pumas are coming back towards the east. They've already been seen in Ill. on the border areas, and there is a remote group of them in the upper area of lower michigan. They seem to be following the over abundant deer population.

[millersangel]

There have been sighting in northern Mercer Co at the Summers Co line. Near Pipestem. So I've heard. It may just be an urban legend. Or in this case a rural legend.

[mswva]

I saw one in early summer outside of Mannington, (close to Fairmont)....It was rather large, they are definately out there! I agree...the deer population is enticing them!