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

Massaro Cleaning
Massaro Cleaning

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Hunting Show Attendance Shattering Records

Attendance records have been shattered at this year’s major hunting shows. The latest, Ducks Unlimited’s DUX (Ducks Unlimited Expo), set a new high-water mark in Memphis, Tenn. According to the Commercial Appeal, the July to Aug. 2 event attracted roughly 30,000 attendees. The 2025 event, also held in Memphis, drew a crowd that numbered nearly 20,000.

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.