Mountain Lion Spotted in Area Popular with Louisiana Hunters

Deer hunting is in full swing across Louisiana and most states of the Gulf South. For the specific seasons and regulations regarding those seasons, you'll want to check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife website. And during the holiday season with so many sportsmen having time off between Christmas and New Year's now is a very busy time in the woods not only in Louisiana but in our neighboring states of Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Now if there's one thing every hunter knows, it would be this. You want to be the hunter and not "the hunted". That is why wildlife officials in Arkansas are issuing these words to the wise for hunters who like to hunt deer in the southern part of that state.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission a mountain lion has been captured on a game camera in Clark County Arkansas. Yes, Arkansas does indeed have mountains but the discovery of a mountain lion is rare. According to Arkansas Game and Fish mountain lions have been spotted in the state about 20 times over the past ten to fifteen years.

If you're not familiar with Clark County, Arkansas it is in the southern part of the state between Texarkana and Hot Springs. The area is quite popular with Louisiana hunters who make the short drive out of state for hunting. It is also conceivable that an animal living in southern Arkansas could eventually find its way into northern Louisiana. But as of yet, there have been no reports of such activity.

Experts suggest that if you were to encounter a mountain lion while in the woods you should not be alarmed. The big cats are quite shy and generally stay away from humans. However, should you have an encounter it is not suggested that you "make a run for it". Instead, wildlife officials say backing away slowly is the preferred method.

By the way, it is illegal to kill a mountain lion unless it is in self-defense. Game and Fish authorities are also asking that should you encounter this animal, if you can safely take a picture and forward it to them, it would be greatly appreciated.