PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A cougar kitten that was killed by a car on a highway in eastern Kentucky three years ago may not point to a thriving population of the big cats.

        But that one, coupled with dozens of recent sightings throughout southern Appalachia, leads Chris Volgiano to think cougars exist in sufficient numbers to warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.

        “We ought to welcome them back, and be grateful for their willingness to give us a second chance,” said Ms. Volgiano, a member of the Eastern Cougar Foundation in Harrisonburg, Va.

        Cougars have been absent from the Appalachians for 150 years, but Ms. Volgiano believes mounting evidence in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia suggests they're back.

        Jason Plaxico, a state wildlife biologist in eastern Kentucky, said reported sightings are not uncommon. Confirming them is difficult, unless someone finds a carcass like that of the 3-month-old kitten he examined three years ago.

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