Large Mountain Lion Spotted Outside Dallas

by
posted on December 23, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
main-mountain-lion.jpg
In a sight unusual for the northern parts of the Lone Star State, a large mountain lion was spotted outside Dallas in recent weeks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said Tuesday that it was likely the same mountain lion—an adult male that weighed about 160 pounds—that was legally killed Saturday by a deer hunter.

Meanwhile, wildlife officials and a county sheriff have disagreed on whether a mountain lion could be responsible for the Dec. 3 death of a 28-year-old man in a wooded area near Lipan, located 85 miles west of Dallas. The Hood County Sheriff’s Office said the preliminary finding from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office said Christopher Allen Whiteley died from an attack by a wild animal, possibly a mountain lion.

The sheriff’s office has said that it will wait for the final autopsy report but that, for now, they’re standing by the preliminary finding. Wildlife officials said there was no evidence that any wild animal killed Whiteley.

Hood County Justice of the Peace Kathryn Gwinn said it may take as many as three months for the final autopsy to be released. She said the preliminary autopsy showed Whiteley had neck puncture wounds consistent with that of large cat.

For more on the story, check out the original reporting by the Associated Press.

Latest

LEDE Composite 3
LEDE Composite 3

2026 Father's Day Gift Roundup

Father's Day is around the corner. With the summer heating up, Dad will soon be on his share of scouting trips, fishing outings, range days, and all the other sorts of summer excursions fans of the great outdoors partake in. Read on, for some great gifts to get Dad this Father's Day, to make his summer that much more fun.

NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship Returns

NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge National Championship Returns—And Brings Together a Generation. Learn all about NRA YHEC at yhec.nra.org.

Savage Arms Announces Father’s Day Rebate on Axis Rifles

Savage Arms is celebrating Father’s Day by offering a $75 mail-in rebate on the purchase of any Axis/Axis II or Axis 2 rifle. This limited-time promotion is valid for purchases made between May 15, 2026, and June 30, 2026. Customers must submit their rebate requests by July 30, 2026, to qualify.

Ruger Relocates HQ to North Carolina

Amid an increasingly hostile political environment in Connecticut, Ruger has relocated its corporate headquarters from Southport, Conn., to Mayodan, N.C.

Spring Plinking: A Seasonal Rimfire Roundup

What’s in Your Picnic Basket? A spring plinker round up for your trigger time pleasure. As the weather breaks, it’s time to get outside, pack a picnic and send some lead downrange. Let’s look at some fun options to pack along in your picnic plinking adventures. 

New for 2026: Gritr 3-Slot Rifle Mag Pouch

Gritr has introduced the new 3-Slot Rifle Mag Pouch, a hook-and-loop organizer designed to provide secure storage and quick access to rifle magazines and essential gear.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.