DNA testing shows mountain lions seen in Missouri last year came from three western states.

Tests of samples from four mountain lions seen last year show two came from the Black Hills area of South Dakota, one from central Montana and one from Colorado. All four were young males, thought to be traveling outside their native range looking for females.

14 mountain lion sightings were reported in Missouri last year compared to 12 in the previous 16 years. 2 sightings have been reported so far in 2012.