Eastern Cougar believed to be extinct, probably has been for over 70 years

Sadly, entire populations of animals can vanish from the planet without anyone noticing. That appears to be the case with the eastern cougar.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has performed extensive research covering the cougar's traditional U.S. and Canadian habitats. They've determined there the animals likely haven't been in existence for over 70 years. It's been suggested that the cougar sub-species be removed from the endangered list and declared extinct.

The large felines now occupying the regions once dominated by the eastern variety migrated there from the western United States and Florida. The demise of the eastern cougar was first acknowledged in 1973, the year it was placed on the list of endangered species. Troubles for the animal are believed to have begun in the 1800s. At the time they were plentiful, and thus commonly shot by settlers wanting to protect themselves, their families, and their livestock. That, combined with the depletion of their primary source of food, the white-tailed deer, led to a significant population reduction.

The last eastern cougar sighting is believed to have occurred in 1938.

Currently endangered species:

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