New Hampshire Science Center Gets 2 Adorable Mountain Lion Cubs

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.

It's not often we are able to see a mountain lion cub up close, but we have that opportunity starting May 1st with not one cub, but two.

If you've walked the trails of the Squam Lake Natural Science Center in Holderness, New Hampshire, you know the center had 2 mountain lions previously.  The male and female sibling lived long healthy lives at the center, with the female passing at 19 years old in 2021.  The male lived 20 years, passing recently last November.  The pair were brought to the center when they were eight week old cubs from Montana.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center says the new pair of male cubs are now 6 months old, and after being orphaned in Washington state, could not be released back into the wild because mountain lion cubs rely on their mother for up to 18 months old. Look at those eyes.

The center clearly knows how to care for young mountain lions, with the previous pair living a healthy 20 years at the facility.

Did you know mountain lions were eliminated in New England during the times of early settlers who were afraid of these carnivorous cats?  The mountain lions were a menace to the livestock and humans, thus systematically eliminated.  This is why the young pair at the Science Center are so special.

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center opens on May 1st, and New Hampshire Day is Saturday, May 6th, when New Hampshire residents are admitted for only $5 thanks to sponsors.  The regular day fee is $24 for adults, with hiking trails and cruises also available.

If you've never been, check out all the wonderful opportunities to get close to nature at nhnature.org.