However, their extinction is a result of several factors:
* Habitat loss: As human settlements and agriculture expanded, the forests and open areas where cougars thrived were drastically reduced.
* Hunting and trapping: Eastern cougars were actively hunted and trapped for their fur, considered a nuisance, and perceived as a threat to livestock.
* Disease: Cougars are susceptible to diseases that can spread from domestic animals, and the loss of habitat brought them into closer contact with humans and their livestock, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Important Note: While the eastern cougar is considered extinct, there are still ongoing discussions and research on whether remnant populations might exist in remote areas. Some individuals believe that sightings in the eastern US might indicate the presence of a small, isolated population. However, these sightings are usually difficult to verify and there is no conclusive evidence to confirm the survival of the eastern cougar.