Last year was an active year for mountain lion sightings in Oklahoma, according the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).

For about 20 years, the ODWC has been keeping records of mountain lion sightings in the state. The agency confirmed seven sightings in 2020, the most in a single year.

Officials say part of the reason for the higher number of sightings is the increase in outdoor activities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the ODWC, there has been an uptick in sightings in the state’s panhandle, but there is a heavily established population in that region, making sightings not-so-uncommon.

Sightings have also increased in North-Central Oklahoma, and experts say the further research may be warranted to figure out why.

The seven confirmed sighting were reported in Osage, Cimarron, Pushmataha, and Pawnee counties.

According to the ODWC, there have been about 40 confirmed mountain lion sightings in Oklahoma since the department began keeping track. Most of the time, a sighting is actually a question of mistaken identity.

If you believe you have seen a mountain lion, you should report it to the Wildlife Department. The agency’ website (wildlifedepartment. com) has a page dedicated for reporting sightings.

According to the ODWC website, the prospect of increasing mountain lion populations in Oklahoma causes a feeling of alarm for some folks. They cite the quickly growing bobcat population and are concerned that mountain lions could do the same thing if left unchecked.

Oklahoma annually ranks among the top states for the number of cattle raised, and the potential presence of mountain lions causes much concern among producers.

There have been no verified reports of mountain lions attacking people in Oklahoma, and no evidence of attacks on cattle, horses or pets. There has been one confirmed case in Cimarron County where a mountain lion was depredating a landowner’s goats and that animal was killed.