IDNR urges the public to leave the mountain lion currently roaming the state alone

Posted on October 26, 2022
Mountain lions are rare in Illinois with only eight confirmed sightings over the past 20 years. (WJBC file photo)

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – There’s at least one mountain lion roaming Illinois right now and the State Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to leave him alone.

There have been two cougars here recently. One was struck and killed on I-88 over a week ago. But another, outfitted with a GPS collar by Nebraska officials last year, has been spotted in areas of western and west-central Illinois.

“Mountain lions, grey wolves and black bears were added to the list of protective species in Illinois in 2015,” said IDNR wildlife chief Mike Wefer. “They may not legally be hunted, killed or harassed unless there is an imminent threat to a person or property.”

Mountain lions are rare in Illinois with only eight confirmed sightings over the past 20 years.

Wefer says more often than not, suspected sightings turn out to be a large dog or a bobcat.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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