Don’t know what part of Iowa you’re from, but historically most of the state was open prairie. Not as good a hiding place for lions as say the forests of the Ozarks. Also, Iowa was better buffalo country than deer country (cougars primary prey) Therefore, it stands to reason that the population density of lions was lighter in prairie areas. Fewer lions and less cover means they have been shot out sooner. Remember, just because an area was not “settled” does not mean that it was not regularly visited by hunters, trappers, etc.

It might interest you to know that Iowa has had eight confirmations of lions in recent years, Missouri ten and Illinois two. A radio collared lion was recently found on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. The population in the Black Hills and front slope of the Rockies is pushing east, and they are undoubtedly following the river systems into their former habitat. As you pointed out indications are there are reproducing populations established in Minnesota. Dr. Maurice Hornocker, believes that in another ten years we will know just how well lion populations are being re-established in the Midwestern states.

The bobcat population is exploding everywhere. Better game laws, habitat conservation, CRS programs and the number of people hunting or trapping them has steadily declined over the years.

As to lions being extinct by 1867 in Iowa, significant portions of the State weren’t settled until the early 1880s, such as where I’m from, so how could that date be accurate?

He could listen to the most credible of eyewitness accounts and say “I don’t disbelieve you, but I need that corroborating physical evidence. ”
That frustrated some people and they interpreted that as debunking, but it was not. That’s the just scientific method. But big cats being what they are, they often don’t leave evidence of their passing behind. However, since 1994 Dave verified ten lion sightings in our state. Many other credible reports lacked that verifiable “hard evidence.” My sighting was a case in point. I know what I saw, had two eye witnesses with me and was believed when I reported it, but the ground conditions just didn’t allow us to find any physical evidence.

To be honest, I always suspected that Dave and the Department knew more than they told. I have my reasons for thinking they were purposefully being “low-key” on this issue. Dave was not being dishonest, he simply didn’t share everything because the media would have created a circus, the public would freak out, and the politicians would have gotten involved and people with guns would do stupid stuff in the woods to “end the lion menace.”

We have lost a good guy, a valued colleague and an important resource in managing our wildlife resources.