Cougar sighting in Western Illinois

QUINCY (WGEM) – A cougar made its means via the Tri-States, in response to Illinois Division of Pure Sources.

The IDNR is at present monitoring a cougar reported in western Illinois in early October 2022.

The cougar has a GPS collar that was initially hooked up in November 2021 by the Nebraska Recreation and Parks Fee (NGPC) as a part of an ongoing analysis mission on their mountain lion inhabitants, together with motion patterns.

The NGPC has been coordinating with state companies on GPS location information because the animal just lately made an eastward journey throughout Iowa and into Illinois.

IDNR will proceed to coordinate with NGPC and different company companions on this animal whereas it’s in Illinois.

When you’ve got just lately seen a cougar in Illinois, it’s best to report the sighting to the Illinois Division of Pure Sources.

Path of the cougar

What to do for those who see a cougar

In keeping with the IDNR web site, for those who see a cougar, don’t run. Don’t shock the cougar. Make noise to make sure that the cougar is conscious of your presence. A cougar shouldn’t be prone to assault an individual until it feels trapped, provoked or if you look like prey. In case you are in a bunch, collect everybody collectively, if doable, and transfer as a bunch.

The IDNR web site additionally says to respect the cougar’s area, and don’t strategy the animal. If the cougar sees you, stand your floor. Look as massive as doable by standing up straight and placing your arms up within the air and slowly again away. If doable, go inside a constructing or get right into a car. If a cougar makes contact with you, at all times attempt to battle it off. Throw rocks, use sticks. Don’t play useless.

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