Catamounts

Catamount, short for “cat of the mountain,” is a generic name describing any of a variety of mid- to large-size American wild cats. It is most often used to refer to cougars and lynxes. In Southern Appalachia, “catamount” is used interchangeably with “panther” to describe the larger cougar, but it also can refer to the smaller bobcat. Debate continues whether catamounts still roam Southern Appalachia, fueled by regular reports of sightings of the animals or their scat or tracks. Conclusive physical evidence of their presence in the region remains as elusive as the creatures themselves. Catamounts are also rare as mascots: Western Carolina University adopted the catamount in 1932.  The University of Vermont and Potomac State College also claim it.

Digital Heritage Audio Moment

Bobcat–Courtesy Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville, NC

Images Courtesy of the Western North Carolina Nature Center