If there are no Eastern Cougars living in NY I'll be very surprised, because we have them here in NH---seen 'em myself. Last year we had one that no less than 15 people saw and it even took a fawn off of one guys' field while he was watching. The NH F&G responded to the area many times due to the frequent sightings.

Also while shooting a 3D in Townsend MA in February of 2002 we came across a set of pug tracks in the snow---having seen Mountain Lion tracks before out West, we immediately knew what they were. When the club officials were asked they said the State Wildlife Commission had been contacted and they came out for a look two days prior---and confirmed what we already knew---said it was "probably just passing through".

Bottom line is that mountain lions/cougars/pumas are around in most states tho probably scarce in many of the eastern ones---but Wildlife Commissions do not want to cause a panic so say little on the subject. Having personally seen a mother and kit run across our field a few years ago,(1999) and knowing many of the people who witnessed the one last year, I know for certain that 1) these people are credible, and 2) I know what I saw myself. They are here in the Northeast-- I can guarantee you that. Good shooting, Pinwheel 12