Conservation officials are investigating after a deer hunter in rural Missouri killed a mountain lion over the weekend.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says it is “aware” of an incident in which a deer hunter killed a mountain lion in Iron County. The incident comes as last weekend marked the opening weekend for firearms deer hunting season in Missouri.
Additional details around the mountain lion’s death, including whether it was accidentally or intentionally killed, have not been disclosed. Missouri conservation agents are “actively investigating” circumstances around the mountain lion’s death, according to the agency.
Mountains lions are considered to be rare in Missouri. MDC has confirmed only 120 mountain lion reports from 1996 to 2024 and notes there is “no evidence of a breeding population” for the species in Missouri.
When a mountain lion is killed in the state, it’s protocol for MDC to investigate the incident and determine whether the death was necessary. (see https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/report-wildlife-sightings)
Although there are no specific hunting or trapping seasons for mountain lions in Missouri, there are certain circumstances in which a mountain lion may justifiably be killed without prior permission.
MDC reports that mountain lions may be killed if they are attacking or killing livestock or domestic animals, or if they pose a threat to human safety. Essentially, the circumstances must align with self-defense or protection.
“The department does not condone the indiscriminate killing of mountain lions, but we understand the need to allow people to protect livestock and human safety if they are threatened,” said MDC.
In cases where killing a mountain lion are deemed unnecessary, hunters could face penalties such as fines, suspended or revoked hunting privileges and possibly charges or civil penalties.
The Missouri Department of Conservation describes mountain lions as ambush predators that can be distinguished by their large size, uniform tawny brown color, long cylindrical tails with a black tip and small rounded ears that are not tufted.
The last time one was confirmed in this area was Jan. 23 in Pulaski County.