Historically, there have been no breeding populations of mountain lions in the Sunflower State since European settlers made their way across the country, but sightings of these big cats are becoming more and more common over the past few years.
According to Kansas State University, the first confirmed mountain lion sighting happened in 2007 and there have been approximately 50 more since. But that number, says wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts, is misleading.
In 2020, there were 15 confirmed mountain lion sightings, however, he believes that the same cats were seen multiple times.
“During that year, based on the distribution and timing of pictures in Kansas, we think we had three cats moving through the state. Most of those 15 pictures would have been of one of those three cats.”
Confirming a sighting is a rigorous process that officials don’t take lightly, especially since these creatures haven’t lived in Kansas since the days of intense predator eradication.
“We have to confirm these sightings based on strong evidence. That includes a track, hair or a picture that is reported to a wildlife official, who then confirms the sighting.”
Well, it looks like they’re about to make another trip to confirm a sighting, because this video shows pretty evidently that a mountain lion was running through a farm field south of Brewster, Kansas, about 45 miles from the Colorado border on I-70.
It shows quite clearly a large mountain lion galloping through the field and across the road, most likely passing through in an attempt to find a mate and some land suitable to call home. Admittedly, you have to turn your phone sideways or tilt your head to see it due to how it was uploaded, but getting to see one of these impressive felines in broad daylight is a rare sight and is well worth the watch.
The next time you’re driving down the highway, keep your eyes peeled, not just to be a safe driver, but because you just see something rare.
