DEC says couple's cougar is no lion

HARTLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - A town of Hartland couple swears they saw a mountain lion, but DEC officials say their photographic evidence just doesn't measure up.

Last Week, Donna and Dominik DiGirolamo took me to the exact spot where they saw it in July of 2008, what they have been convinced was a mountain lion across the road from their home outside of Belmont in Allegany County.

But whatever it was doesn't seem to size up. After looking at the pictures, DEC officials pointed out how small the cat looks in comparison to me standing in the exact same spot. We even sized up the power pole behind me so the picture size matches.

But an even more exact measurement may be the railroad tracks in the background. The iron rail lines are typically about seven inches high or less. So, if you put a seven inch measurement on the rail and bring it even closer to compare it to the cat, this cat's body might be closer to 25 inches, smaller than a bobcat, which are known to be around here, but far smaller than an adult mountain lion which can be seven feet long including the tail.

DEC officials stand by their statement that they have found no proof, no tracks, bones, or pictures to indicate any mountain lions have lived in the wild in NY state for 100 years, and that this one looks more like a domestic or feral cat. But they will still meet with Donna to investigate first hand.

Mark Kandel, DEC Regional Wildlife Manager, said, "If people see something like that, we encourage them to call us and we'll follow through if there's something to follow through on, but it's sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy after awhile."