Confirmed Photos of Oklahoma Mountain Lion Kittens Signal Breeding Population

Despite state wildlife managers denying the possibility that a breeding population of big cats exists in the Sooner State, the first photographic evidence of just that has finally surfaced and is slowly working to quiet those who might remain doubtful. 

In a groundbreaking development for Oklahoma’s wildlife, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed the first photographic evidence of mountain lion kittens in the state, hinting at the possibility of a breeding population. This sighting marks a significant milestone, as Oklahoma has not historically been home to an established population of mountain lions.

“While exciting and interesting, these sightings are just one small piece of the puzzle needed to better understand this species,” said Jerrod Davis, furbearer biologist for the Wildlife Department. “It's our first piece of evidence that mountain lions may be breeding in Oklahoma, a key indicator the population is becoming established. That two female mountain lions have established at least part of their territories in Oklahoma is a direct reflection of a healthy ecosystem.”

Documented in two separate confirmed sightings in different locations in the state, the first camera captured an adult mountain lion with two half-grown kittens in Osage County in October 2024. The second sighting came a couple of months later and contained images of an adult with three smaller kittens in Cimarron County in December 2024.  

These images, shared with the ODWC, have sparked excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike, further suggesting that mountain lions may very well be reproducing in the state.

Since 2002, the ODWC has verified 85 mountain lion sightings across Oklahoma, with a notable increase in 2023, likely due to the widespread use of trail cameras. Cimarron County’s proximity to New Mexico, which boasts a population of over 3,000 mountain lions, may account for some of these sightings. Meanwhile, Osage County, located 400 miles east, has emerged as a hotspot for recent confirmations.

While the ODWC has not yet confirmed a "viable population" of mountain lions, these kitten sightings could prompt further research. The agency may expand the use of trail cameras to study local cougar populations and better understand their distribution and behavior. For now, mountain lion hunting remains prohibited in Oklahoma, a policy in place since 1957. However, a 2025 legislative proposal known as Senate Bill 1073, which has since passed the Oklahoma Senate, aims to introduce limited hunting permits through a lottery system, if necessary in the future. Critics argue that the population is too small to justify such measures, raising concerns about the impact on this emerging population.

The discovery of mountain lion kittens opens a new chapter in Oklahoma’s wildlife story. As researchers continue to monitor these big cats, the state continues to focus on balancing conservation efforts with public safety and legislative debates. For now, the sight of mountain lion kittens roaming Oklahoma’s landscape is opening the door for more surveillance and monitoring to better understand where and how these elusive cats are moving about the state.

“Our first focus should be evaluating the abundance and distribution of mountain lions in the state,” Davis said. “We’ve been confirming sightings through our online reporting process for more than 20 years and may deploy more intensive camera arrays. Depending on those surveys, further research may be possible.”