Also, I think that people who own land where they've been spotted are tired of them being killed off by stupid 'trophy' hunters and the govt. and so are not reporting their presence any longer. I have family still up there, and friends and they tell me every couple of years about seeing one while out hiking or hunting. I honestly don't think they ever really 'left'. I think they moved further north and the ones seen in Vermont are either just passing through or possibly trying to expand their range. I'm not a zoologist so I have no clue, but I know I'VE seen one (back in the 90's outside of Underhill), and folks I know have seen them. We really have no reason to lie about it.