Mountain Lions: New Brunswick's Mystery

Mountain lions, also known as cougars, are the subject of much debate in New Brunswick, Canada. While some residents claim to have seen these big cats in the wild and even have photo and video evidence, others, including wildlife experts, remain sceptical. The provincial government has a history of denying the presence of cougars in the region, and some believe this is to avoid allocating resources for their protection, which could impact the forestry industry. DNA testing of samples has provided conflicting results, with some indicating the presence of cougars, while others suggest bobcats or lynx. The debate continues as more evidence is gathered and analysed, leaving the question of whether mountain lions roam New Brunswick unanswered for now.

Mountain lion sightings in New Brunswick

One resident of New Brunswick shared their experience of seeing two mountain lions sitting on the shoulder of the road, waiting to cross, with their heads level with the windows of their car. They also mentioned having pictures of fresh mountain lion prints in the snow with .303 British shells inside the track to show their size. Another resident recalled a similar encounter while driving at night and seeing a long black tail. These accounts are not isolated, as other residents have shared stories of hearing mountain lions "screaming" or calling out while camping in the summer, producing an unnerving sound resembling a baby or woman screaming.

Despite these reports, official confirmation of mountain lion sightings in New Brunswick has been elusive. In 2017, Scott Pavey, the head of the Canadian Rivers Institute genomics lab, declared that the first batch of DNA test results from samples of hair and scat gathered in the province was negative for the presence of mountain lions. Pavey stated, "Not cougar at all. I'm 100 percent on that." This conclusion was supported by Donald McAlpine, the Research Curator and head of zoology at the New Brunswick Museum, who expressed that he would have been shocked if the results had indicated the presence of mountain lions.

However, the debate continues as more samples are being tested, and some residents remain adamant about their sightings. Faith Penny, a PhD student and lab technician involved in the testing process, understands the fervent belief in the existence of mountain lions in the province, as she herself has family members who swear they have seen them. While acknowledging the scientific results, Penny awaits further testing outcomes, stating, "I guess I'm still a believer that there are cougars out there."

The presence of mountain lions in New Brunswick remains a mystery, with residents and experts holding differing opinions. The ongoing testing of additional samples may provide more conclusive evidence to support or refute the claims of mountain lion sightings in the province.

DNA testing of samples

DNA testing is a powerful tool that can be used to detect the presence of species in a given environment. In the case of determining whether there are mountain lions in New Brunswick, DNA testing of samples can provide valuable evidence to support or refute this claim. Here is a detailed overview of the process and its implications:

Sample Collection:

The first step in DNA testing is to collect relevant samples that may contain genetic material from the species of interest, in this case, mountain lions. Suitable samples for DNA testing can include blood, saliva, tissue, hair, scat, or other biological remnants. These samples can be obtained from the environment, such as soil, water, or snow, where DNA can accumulate as organisms interact with their surroundings.

DNA Extraction and Purification:

Once the samples are collected, the DNA must be extracted from the cells and purified. This process involves breaking down the cell and nuclear membranes to release the DNA into a solution. Then, the DNA is separated from other cellular components, and the remaining debris is discarded. Common methods for DNA extraction include organic extraction (phenol-chloroform extraction), Chelex extraction, and solid-phase extraction.

DNA Amplification:

The extracted DNA often needs to be amplified to obtain sufficient material for analysis. This can be achieved through techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which involves a series of steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. During denaturation, the DNA is heated to separate the double-stranded DNA into single strands. In the annealing step, the reaction is cooled to allow primers to attach to specific locations on the DNA template. Finally, in the extension step, a DNA polymerase enzyme is used to synthesize the complementary DNA strand.

DNA Analysis:

The amplified DNA is then analyzed to identify species-specific characteristics. This can be done by comparing the DNA sequences to known reference sequences from other mountain lion samples or by using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding techniques. eDNA metabarcoding involves sequencing the DNA and using bioinformatics tools to identify the species present in the sample.

Interpretation of Results:

The interpretation of DNA testing results requires scientific expertise and statistical analysis. In the case of mountain lion samples, the DNA profiles can be compared to known mountain lion DNA sequences to determine a match. Additionally, the presence or absence of mountain lion DNA in the samples can provide evidence for or against their existence in New Brunswick.

Challenges and Limitations:

It is important to note that DNA testing of environmental samples can be challenging due to factors such as DNA degradation, low DNA concentrations, and the presence of mixed DNA from multiple species. In the case of mountain lion samples, older samples or scat may be more difficult to analyze due to DNA degradation or contamination.

Implications for New Brunswick:

The results of DNA testing on samples collected in New Brunswick will have significant implications for the region's ecology, conservation efforts, and public perception. If mountain lion DNA is detected, it could indicate the presence of a breeding population or individuals migrating from nearby regions. On the other hand, a lack of mountain lion DNA in the tested samples does not necessarily disprove their existence, as they may be rare or elusive.

In conclusion, DNA testing of samples is a powerful tool that can provide valuable insights into the presence of mountain lions in New Brunswick. By following rigorous scientific protocols for sample collection, DNA extraction, amplification, and analysis, researchers can contribute to our understanding of this elusive species and inform conservation and management decisions.

Cougars in New Brunswick forests

The existence of cougars in New Brunswick, Canada, has been a topic of debate for over 40 years, with some residents claiming sightings and others denying their presence. While official sources have denied the existence of cougars in the province, there have been numerous reports and pieces of evidence that suggest otherwise.

Evidence of Cougars in New Brunswick

Some residents of New Brunswick have reported seeing cougars in the wild, with some claiming to have seen them multiple times over several decades. These sightings are often at night or in low-visibility conditions, making it difficult to obtain clear photographs or videos as evidence. One resident, Wayne Beaumaster, has reportedly recorded cougars walking by his house at night on multiple occasions. Other residents have shared stories of seeing cougars while driving at night or during foggy conditions. These reports describe the distinctive long tails and tawny coats of cougars, indicating that individuals are able to distinguish them from other cat species, such as lynx or bobcats.

In addition to visual sightings, there have been reports of hearing cougars "screaming" or calling out in the wilderness. Cougars are known for their distinctive calls, which can sound like a woman or baby screaming, adding credibility to these reports.

Official Denials and Conflicting Evidence

Official sources, such as the Canadian Rivers Institute genomics lab, have denied the presence of cougars in New Brunswick based on DNA testing of samples. However, the results of these tests are not always conclusive, and some samples may be too old or degraded to provide accurate results. In one instance, DNA testing of hair samples from Fundy National Park in 2003 indicated the presence of cougars originating from South America, suggesting that escaped pets or captive animals may be the source of some sightings.

The Impact of Forestry and Conservation

Some residents believe that the government denies the presence of cougars to avoid allocating provincial funds for their protection, particularly due to the potential impact on the forestry industry. New Brunswick has a significant forestry sector, and acknowledging the presence of cougars could lead to changes in land-use policies and conservation efforts. Additionally, the presence of cougars could affect tourism, with some speculating that the government wants to avoid creating fear or concern among visitors.

The Ecological Role of Cougars

Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, are considered apex predators and can play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Their presence can help control the population of herbivores, such as deer, and prevent overgrazing. However, the absence of verifiable evidence and the potential impact on various industries have led to ongoing debates about their existence in the province.

In conclusion, while official sources deny the presence of cougars in New Brunswick, resident reports and some DNA evidence suggest that these elusive cats may still roam the forests of this Canadian province. The debate continues as residents, scientists, and officials seek to reconcile conflicting evidence and understand the ecological implications of cougar populations in the region.

Cougars in Canada

Cougars, also known as mountain lions, pumas, or panthers, are large wild cats native to the Americas. In Canada, cougar sightings have been reported in various provinces, including New Brunswick. While some people claim to have seen these big cats in the province, others deny their presence, leading to a ongoing debate.

The Case for Cougars in New Brunswick

New Brunswick residents have reported numerous cougar sightings over the years, with some claiming to have seen them while driving at night or in remote camping areas. These accounts describe the distinctive features of cougars, such as their long tails and tawny coats. Additionally, some people have shared pictures of cougar prints in the snow and reported hearing their distinctive calls, described as similar to a woman or baby screaming. These reports suggest a possible cougar population in the province.

The Official Stance

Despite the numerous reports and some physical evidence, the presence of cougars in New Brunswick remains a subject of debate. Official sources, including wildlife experts and government agencies, have denied the existence of cougars in the province. DNA testing of samples, including hair, scat, and blood, collected from suspected cougar sightings, returned negative results for cougar DNA. These tests provide strong evidence against the presence of a native cougar population in the region.

The Impact of Industry

Some locals speculate that the New Brunswick government may have a vested interest in not acknowledging the presence of cougars in the province. They believe that admitting to a cougar population would require allocating provincial funds for their protection, which could impact the lucrative forestry industry. This theory suggests that economic factors may influence the official stance on cougar existence in the region.

The Search for Answers Continues

While the initial DNA results did not support the presence of cougars in New Brunswick, the debate is far from settled. There are still more samples to be tested, and some residents remain adamant about their sightings. The possibility of cougars in neighbouring provinces and states, such as Quebec and Maine, also adds to the intrigue. The mystery surrounding these elusive big cats continues to captivate and divide public opinion in New Brunswick and beyond.

Cougars in New England

The existence of cougars in New England has been a subject of much debate, with some people, nicknamed "cougar truthers", insisting that the big cats are living and breeding in the region, while wildlife experts deny their presence. Cougars, also known as catamounts, panthers, or pumas, once inhabited New England but were hunted to local extinction in the 19th century. The last recorded cougar killings in the region were in Vermont in 1881, Maine in 1938, and New Hampshire in 1885.

However, there have been numerous reported sightings and pieces of anecdotal evidence of cougars in New England in recent years, fuelling the debate. Some people claim to have seen cougars while driving at night or camping, while others have reported hearing their distinctive calls. Additionally, there have been reports of cougar tracks and scat found in the region.

While some experts dismiss these sightings as cases of mistaken identity or false positives, others acknowledge the possibility that cougars may be passing through the region occasionally. DNA testing of scat and hair samples collected in New Brunswick, for example, revealed the presence of cougars, although some of these were found to be of South American origin, suggesting escaped pets.

The debate centres on the lack of verifiable evidence, with experts requiring DNA, clear tracks, or photographs as proof of cougar presence. Proponents of the cougar's existence argue that the big cats are elusive and leave little evidence of their passage, making it difficult to obtain conclusive proof.

The potential return of cougars to New England is an intriguing prospect for ecologists, who believe that the region's ecosystems would benefit from having an "apex predator" again. Cougars could help control the deer population and restore balance to the landscape.

Whether or not cougars are currently living in New England, the possibility of their presence continues to captivate and divide opinion, with some people firmly believing in their existence despite the lack of concrete evidence.

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