A family in Morris County, New Jersey, says they saw a mountain lion not just once, but twice within a short time. The sightings, which reportedly happened in the Towaco section of Montville Township, have stirred up concern and curiosity among residents.
While mountain lions are not native to New Jersey, such claims often raise eyebrows and questions about wildlife in suburban areas.
The report came from a man named Dennis Mahon, who spoke with local radio station WPG Talk Radio. Mahon shared that the first sighting happened in his backyard.
According to him, the animal was large and had the appearance of a mountain lion, also known as a cougar or puma. These big cats are native to the western United States but have occasionally been spotted in the eastern part of the country. Still, confirmed sightings in New Jersey are extremely rare.
Mahon didn’t just see the animal once. He said it returned a second time, which made him even more certain about what he saw. He described the creature as being tan in color, with a long tail and muscular build, features that match the appearance of a mountain lion.
After the second sighting, Mahon decided to report it to the Montville Township Police Department. He also shared his story on a local Facebook group, hoping that others in the area might have seen something similar. His post received many reactions, with some people supporting his claim while others remained skeptical.
New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has not confirmed any mountain lion sightings in the area. The state’s Fish and Wildlife Division says that mountain lions are not considered native to New Jersey.
Still, reports like these do pop up every few years, usually without any photographic evidence or physical proof. That makes it difficult for officials to take immediate action or verify what was seen.
Wildlife experts say that what people often believe is a mountain lion may be another animal, such as a bobcat, a large domestic cat, or even a coyote. Bobcats do live in New Jersey, but they are much smaller and have short tails, unlike mountain lions.
Coyotes are also common, and while they don’t look exactly like mountain lions, they can be mistaken for them from a distance, especially in poor lighting.
Despite the doubts, Mahon insists he knows what he saw. He mentioned that the animal moved like a big cat, had strong features, and didn’t resemble any typical pets or local wildlife he’s used to seeing. “It wasn’t a bobcat. It had a long tail and was way too big,” he told the radio station.
After the reports started circulating, some residents in nearby areas began sharing their own stories. A few people said they had seen a large animal near wooded trails or backyards in recent weeks, although none of them had photos or videos to back up their claims.
One woman in a neighboring town said she saw something that “looked like a cougar” crossing a road, but it disappeared quickly into the trees.
Local police haven’t confirmed any of these additional sightings. They say that while they take such reports seriously, there hasn’t been any physical evidence so far—no tracks, no fur, and no clear images captured on security cameras or trail cams.
Still, Mahon believes that people in the area should be cautious, especially if they have pets or young children playing outside. He advises neighbors to keep a watchful eye and report anything unusual they see. He also mentioned that if the animal returns, he plans to try and capture it on video.
The story has sparked a wave of discussions across social media, with many residents debating whether or not a mountain lion can be roaming around Morris County.
Some say it’s entirely possible that a wild animal from another state could have wandered into the area. Others believe it’s more likely a case of mistaken identity.
Wildlife biologists say that mountain lions have been slowly expanding their range in parts of the Midwest and Eastern U.S. over the past decade. However, for a mountain lion to be in New Jersey, it would have had to travel hundreds of miles from the nearest known population, which is extremely rare but not impossible.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor the situation. Officials suggest that if anyone sees what they believe is a mountain lion, they should try to take a picture from a safe distance and report the location and time of the sighting. This kind of information helps them assess whether there’s any real threat or if further investigation is needed.
As of now, there’s no official confirmation that a mountain lion has been seen in Morris County. But the idea that one could be out there has certainly caught the public’s attention.
Whether it turns out to be a big cat or just a big misunderstanding, the story serves as a reminder to stay alert, especially in areas where wooded trails and residential zones meet.
Residents are encouraged to avoid leaving pet food outside, keep small pets indoors during the night, and be cautious while walking near wooded or secluded areas. While there’s no cause for panic, being informed and watchful can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.