Thank You Cougardaville, for trying to answer some of these questions and no doubt the best you could. As, we all know the pro cougar and eco freaks are the real problem for all of us. I also feel that back in the day that all the Eastern Cougars were wiped out that no way could it be possible to cover every nook and cranny this state has to offer. Did they survive it back then ? I am sure that no one really knows 100% of that answer. Could it be that some of the cougars seen here are from released/escaped cats again yes it could. Now for the one with three cubs could that also be possible for those to breed? I think yes it could but, how would they meet up with each other in such a large area, if they were released. Wouldn't they stay together if they were from released animals? Anyways thanks for answering my question.