Eastern Cougar (Extinct)

The Eastern Cougar, officially declared extinct by U.S. wildlife agencies in 2011, still lingers in cryptid conversations due to persistent sightings across the Appalachian region. Described as large, tawny cats that prowl ridgelines and slip ghost-like through dense forests, they fuel local tales of wilderness reclaimed by apex predators. Many reported encounters likely involve misidentified bobcats, escaped exotic pets, or distant relatives like Florida panthers that occasionally wander north. Yet the sheer volume of stories—paired with blurry photos and scattered tracks—keeps hope alive that a hidden population endures. The Eastern Cougar stands at the crossroads of documented extinction and living legend, embodying humanity’s deep wish that the wild might still harbor secrets beyond the reach of official records.