Lion

Used in:

• II Nephi 8:98 [15:28]
• II Nephi 8:99 [15:29]
• II Nephi 9:121 [21:6]
• II Nephi 9:122 [21:7]
• II Nephi 12:92 [30:12]
• II Nephi 12:93 [30:13]
• Alma 10:85 [14:29]
• III Nephi 9:52 [20:16]
• III Nephi 9:99 [21:12]

What does the Book of Mormon state?

• All of these are metaphors
• The Book of Mormon does not state that lions existed in the New World

At face value - Did lions exist in the New World?

• Yes

Statement

• Typical Attack on the Book of Mormon
• In III Nephi, lions are described as "beasts of the forests." Contrary to popular opinion and the Book of Mormon, lions do not live in forests or jungles. They live in savannas (few scattered trees). And, lions never inhabited the Americas.
• Evidence
• Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are endemic in Mesoamerica (i.e. Guatemala)
• They inhabit the forests
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mammals_in_Guatemala

Assessment

• Lions are endemic to Mesoamerica