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

Ledenorth Carolina 1
Ledenorth Carolina 1

North Carolina to Hold First Elk Hunt in Decades

On July 7, North Carolina’s governor signed legislation authorizing two elk hunting permits to be issued in 2027—the first since the animal was reintroduced 25 years ago. Elk vanished from The Tarheel State nearly 200 years ago, but today biologists estimate the state is home to roughly 250.

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season

Each year, hunters know when opening day is, but few of us are truly ready for it. This year that changes. Here is your guide!

New for 2026: Federal Fit Firearms Covers

Federal Ammunition is shipping two series of firearm covers, the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Each is available in medium, large, and extra-large.

Anti-Hunting Oregon Voter Petition Fails To Make Ballot

The proposed petition in Oregon that would ban all hunting and fishing, as well as ranching and more, failed both its signature checks to get on the November ballot, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.