Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Sightings Reported In Parts Of Banner County & Sidney; Caution Urged
Remember when this mountain lion visited several years ago and made itself at home in a tree across from Motel Kimball? Well, mountain lions are back in the area, according to multiple reports.
Mountain lion sightings have recently been reported in parts of Banner County and the northern part of the town of Sidney. With calving season in full bloom, the mountain lions are a concern for area ranchers.
Sidney Police Chief Joe Aikens confirmed the mountain lion sighting in Sidney and cautioned people to be aware and keep an eye on small pets.
Sam Wilson, a carnivore biologist for Nebraska Game and Parks said that mountain lion sightings increased gradually over the past 30 years as populations in western states expanded into Nebraska. The recent sightings "From year to year don't seem to be a great deal of different to me."
The first modern sighting of a mountain lion was in 1991, previously they had been wiped out in this area during settlement.
Wilson explained that mountain lions are a game animal under Nebraska state law, and there is a specific permitted hunting season. The season is confined to Pine Ridge and the Niobrara Valley areas and is open during January and February but may extend into March. Wilson said the hunting season any be extended to the Wildcat Hills next season.
When a mountain lion is spotted, if it is in its habitat and not threatening livestock or people, it cannot be shot unless a person has a permit and during the season.
Although a mountain lion can be shot on sight if it threatens a person or kills livestock, the person must contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission after the event.
Mountain lions hunt year round. They are predators and have to eat to survive. Mountain lions are secretive animals and often hunt at night. They are most active between sunset and sunrise, although they can be active at any time of day.
"The mountain lion habitat consists of very steep canyons with forests like in Pine Ridge, the Wildcat Hills and Niobrara Valley," Wilson said. "Any part of Banner County that has the Wildcat Hills is an excellent habitat for mountain lions, but wheat or ag fields and short grass prairie are not suitable habitats for mountain lions."
Wilson said many sightings in open prairie and ag country are young animals being dispersed, just old enough to look for a place to live of their own and males looking for females. They can travel anywhere from 5-20 miles a day.
Mountain lion kittens can be born year-round, so the young ones between 1-2 years old are looking for their own area.
The technology of ring cameras and motion-censored hunting cameras has made people more aware that mountain lions exist in the area.
If area residents get photos or videos of a mountain lion, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission asks that they contact the nearest NG&P office or call a conservation officer.