I am one to say there are a few. Damned few. I think that alot of rumors are started by guys that deperately wantto be the one to break the story. I am just waiting patiently for the big "real" find.
The sightings are probably of the same few. I truly do not think that there are reproducing populations, yet.
I read an article from a cougar expert that predicts a sustaining population east of the mississippi within 20 years.
Could these be released pets? Possibly, I don't know. I admit that much