Home / Environment / Vermont eyes return of the 'catamount' predator
Vermont eyes return of the 'catamount' predator
18 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Mountain lions, extinct in northern New England since 1881, may return.
- Reintroduction could control deer, boost biodiversity and reduce Lyme disease.
- Most Vermonters surveyed support the reintroduction of mountain lions.
A rewilding organization, Mighty Earth, is spearheading efforts to reintroduce mountain lions, also known as cougars or catamounts, to northern New England. These apex predators were declared extinct in the region in 1881, with the nearest known breeding population thousands of miles away.
Mighty Earth argues that reintroducing mountain lions would restore ecological balance by controlling deer populations, which in turn would reduce damage to vegetation and lower risks like Lyme disease. Surveys suggest Vermonters largely support this initiative, viewing the return of this keystone species as beneficial.
Concerns regarding potential impacts on livestock and human safety are being addressed by highlighting the mountain lion's typically shy disposition and low history of fatal human attacks. The campaign is part of a wider trend towards rewilding in the US, aiming to restore natural processes and enhance biodiversity.
