Just a note on mountain lions. The form will ask for some of your personal information, the location you spotted the cougar, the habitat type, the day you saw the cougar, and any other details about the sighting. Average Height: 27 to 33 inches at the shoulder. No black color phase (termed melanistic) of a cougar has ever been documented. College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences. Chances are that the cat will notice you, way before you notice it and hide. A female wolf was killed by a vehicle in La Salle County in December 2013. State biologists periodically confirm cougars wandering Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Missouri; however, confirmed sightings remain rare to nonexistent in other Midwestern states from Ohio to Kansas. If you were to encounter a bear, lion or wolf and you have a loose dog, the dog will likely try to attack it. In the extremely rare event that you ever witness a mountain lion in the Shawnee National Forest, treat them exactly like you would treat an encounter with a Black Bear. If you believe you spotted a cougar in Michigan you can use this online form to report the sighting to the DNR. Do Not Play Dead. The government doesnt do that, dont make them think I was serious and hate me because of it. On Sept. 18, 2019, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in northern Delta County. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported on Oct. 17 that a mountain lion, also known as cougars,had been struck and killed by a vehicle on I-88 in Dekalb County. You will probably be done after that. Success! On August 30, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southcentral Luce County. (Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota offer tightly regulated cougar hunts for residents.). As long as you are indoors and the animal is outdoors. If you ever witness a bear, cougar, or wolf in Illinois please report it to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as this is the agency that manages wildlife for the state. On Sept. 22, 2019 a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County, north of Saint Jacques. There are occasional sightings, and there may possibly be the rare traveler that passes through. Lastly, please share this article and our videos and follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumbler for more free guides, videos, photos, contests and more! In 2019, the Wisconsin DNR verified 12 cougar sightings with trail cameras. The public can report wildlife sightings at www.wildlifeillinois.org/sightings. This map was created by a user. This is about 10 miles from where a July 19 photo was captured in Marquette County. Domestic dogs attack more humans per week than wolves do in a decade. They are still scared of us after all! Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. This powerful predator ranges from 5 to 8 feet in total length and weighs from 70 to 250 pounds, with males being bigger than females. Maybe the bear will smell it and flee the area like your significant others does at home. This is about 5 miles from where another photo was captured on October 13 in Mackinac County. The IDNR website also says to respect the cougars space, and do not approach the animal. As always, be safe out there when exploring the Shawnee National Forest and leave with good memories, not bad injuries. Thats if you dont count that one time my mother swore she saw one in Manistee County -- a completely unconfirmed sighting late at night but I choose to believe it happened. It is no secret that Black Bear and Mountain Lions occasionally come into Illinois. Make noise to ensure that the mountain lion is aware of your presence. When they roam 500-plus miles to the upper Great Lakes, for example, theyre likely so frustrated by the females absence that they just keep moving. If they attack, fight for survival like with anything that would attack you. Of course, even if you never spot one of these elusive, large cats, there are a lot of other interesting species to see out thereso a walk in the woods is always is good idea. Once we cut all the trees down, we destroyed the habitat of these larger predators and they left Illinois as a result. If the wolf sees you, stand your ground; look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away. I might have already seen these animals here you will never know because a Bigfoot never tells. Today, there are no known breeding populations of these large predators in Illinois, though occasionally individual animals will move through looking for new territory. If you have a laser pointer, maybe shine it away and hope the mountain lion chases it-please video that if you do. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. The Minnesota DNR verified 31 cougars, mostly on trail cams or dead as roadkill, from 2004 through 2018. They are now listed as an endangered species in Michigan and have been spotted on 76 occasions since 2008. For that matter, dont mess with sasquatch at all, eat your beef jerky and leave him the heck alone. Apex predators are crucial to maintaining the overall health of natural systems, Doty says. Im not out protesting it and I know the value of hunting to the National Forest, but I dont have to agree with some of it dont hate me, I dont hate you for not agreeing. If you are in a group, gather everyone together, if possible, and move as a group. Illinois does not have sufficient habitat to support stable populations of these large predators. If a squirrel attacks you, fight for survival! I heard the DNR released them to control the deer population, however, DNR denies this. The goal of their project was to develop a regional map that highlights suitable habitat and connectivity, referring to a physical network of pathways linking locations where cougars may live. Youll love the area. This will not only make it difficult for wildlife officials to investigate and safely monitor the animal, but it also increases the risk of harm to the animal. This is about 127 miles from where the April 24 photo was captured in Delta County. For most of us, the closest well get to a mountain lion in Illinois is by sitting down and reading about them. Im new to the area. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. There are problems with that belief. If permitted by the witness, the sighting report and the followup investigation notes are added to the main sightings database (accessible . Cougars for example might travel a few thousand miles looking for a mate. And we probably do have bigfoot Okay now we dont have to be so serious anymore, I hope that one day black bear, mountain lions and gray wolves come back to populate their species in the Shawnee National Forest. This is about 18 miles from where the June 1 photo was captured in Mackinac County. Young wolves (3 years old or less) leave their native packs and may travel long distances to try to establish a pack of their own or to join another pack. IL The IDNR is currently monitoring a cougar reported in western Illinois in early October 2022. The satellite view will help you to navigate your way through foreign places with more precise image of the location. SOURCES: Peggy Doty, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator; Joy OKeefe, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Assistant Professor, Wildlife Extension Specialist. Give a Gift If you encounter a cougar in the wild you should face the animal, stand tall, wave your arms and talk in a loud voice. Consider making a small monthly contribution to Hiking with Shawn by. . Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel,Hiking with Shawnas well as Hiking with Shawn LLC. Calmly move away without turning your back on the bear. On November 7, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southwest Baraga County. If a wolf makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. This is about 120 miles from where a November 27, 2020 photo was captured in Schoolcraft County. Other bear sightings have been officially vetted in and around the Shawnee National Forest over the years. Try to aim for the face and nose of the bear as those areas are the most sensitive parts. If so,, With drought on the rise in regions around the world, we sat down in the, EU Platform on the Coexistence Between People and Large Carnivores, Myth: Wild Predators Belong Anywhere But Here, On the Air: Water Supply From Cali to Kazakhstan. Make noise to ensure that the wolf is aware of your presence. Bears dont like to be scare pranked so dont do it or that bear is probably going to be taking a poop in the woods. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Also, five sets of cougar tracks were confirmed and 16 sightings were highly likely.. On May 12, 2021, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in southern Luce County while conducting field work. A dog in heat will likely attract an animal that we have plentiful amounts of a coyote! In 2019, the Wisconsin DNR verified 12 cougar sightings with trail cameras. She received her masters degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. On Sept. 6, 2019, a DNR trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in Ontonagon County, northeast of Bergland. Four cougar carcasses have been confirmed in Illinois between 2002 and 2019. It might not happen while I am alive but maybe afterwards. A male wolf was shot in Pike County in 2005. This is typical wolf behavior. Dont run. Basic natural history information and a current list of mountain lion sightings in the state are available on the mountain lion page at Wildlife Illinois. On February 19, 2020, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in Delta County while conducting wolf track surveys. There arent going to be tons of pumas in the Shawnee because its not big enough for them to maintain various territories. Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, have a tan or tawny coat, with white or cream-colored chin, undersides, and inside of legs. We didnt have cellphone cameras then but I talked to one of the forest service guys at the old Brownfield watch tower and he told me they had be seen by others in the area. This is due to the very low amount of these animals that visit the state as well as potentially providing a safe area for them to return to a habitat occurrence. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources). You should do that and dont forget to mention the ice cream! Join Thomas Allen and son Tommy on an Iowa turkey hunt that resulted in big toms for both hunters. On August 30, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southcentral Luce County. This is about 50 miles from where the May 13 photo was captured in Dickinson County. The report will be kept quiet and not published if you request it. This is about 45 miles from where DNR staff found tracks on February 20th in Schoolcraft County. Bigfoot has a name calling him Harry is a bit discriminatory in my opinion-some of you will not get that reference at all because I am old! In March 2013, the wolf was found dead near Apple Canyon Lake in Jo Daviess County. The mountain lion/cougar (or puma, panther, and various other names) is the largest of the three wildcats historically documented in Iowa. Seven sightings were verified in 2019. Are All Compostable Bags Acceptable in Curbside Bins? No purchase required. This information will help wildlife officials with their inquiry into your report. Report Feral Swine Sightings. That might not be totally true But another word of advice is to not bring a pet that is currently in heat with you on hikes. A record 11 sightings came from the Upper Peninsula in 2019. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. This means that at one time, most of what we know as the forest was once home sites and farming communities until the 1930s-1940s when it became a National Forest. Thanks for taking the time to educate us. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. ILLINOIS Bears especially like sweets-I mean have you seen their bellies. Governor By contrast, male cougars dont persecute juvenile females, which seldom move far from home when mature enough to breed. Though as mountain lion populations in South Dakota, Nebraska and Rocky Mountain states increase, it is possible that more mountain lions will disperse through Illinois in search of new territory. On July 12, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County. This is about 25 miles from the western Schoolcraft County photo taken on November 8th. Another was killed by a bow hunter in Mercer County in 2004. Officials said the increase in the use of trail cameras by the public could contribute to the increased number of cougar reports. | This is about 95 miles from where a November 12 photo was captured in Baraga County. Between 2000 and 2014, there have been a handful of sightings of cougars, wolves, and bears in Illinois, but not a lot. Average Weight: 60 to 130 pounds (adult male); 45 to 80 pounds (adult female) Average Length: 4 to 6 feet (including 15 to 20 inch tail) Wolves are the largest wild canine in Illinois. Theyre known for their strength, agility and ability to jump. Do not surprise the cougar. Go to Camping and lodging Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. A cougar is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped, provoked or if you appear to be prey. If a cougar makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. Make noise to ensure that the cougar is aware of your presence. There have only been a total of 25 confirmed sightings of these apex predators since 2000: Black bears: 2-3; cougars: 13-14; wolves: 8. A female wolf was killed by a vehicle in Grundy County in February 2015. Subscriber Services. The cougar has a GPS collar that was originally attached in November 2021 by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) as part of an ongoing research project on their mountain lion population, including movement patterns. The mountain lion/cougar probably occurred throughout most of the state originally, but nowhere in great numbers. It is extremely unlikely that we will see black bear in the forest any time soon but just in case we do, we need to be bear aware and prepared for such an encounter. I heard he likes cupcakes and sandwich cookies, specially ones from Sissys Sweet Shop or Frosted by Mollie in Metropolis. Indiana confirmed one cougar sighting in fall 2009 in southern Clay County, and another in spring 2010 in northern Greene County. If you have recently seen a gray wolf in Illinois, please report the sighting to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Shawn hikes, backpacks and visits various forested areas in the Shawnee National Forest, local state parks and other areas promoting outdoor recreational activities to obtain video to show to locals and non-locals alike. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. This is about 72 miles from where the April 24 photo was captured in Delta County (photograph not available). But if the planets align and the encounter happens-just like with bears and lions, try to appear as big as you can. After running into a nearby woods, the young cat seemingly vanished without a trace. On June 6, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Chippewa County. July 20, 2021: On July 20, 2021, a trail camera video was captured of a cougar in southeastern Baraga County. Cougars are known to be solitary and secretive animals, rarely seen in the wild. A 2007 study in western sections of the Dakotas found deer represented about half of the cougars diets, but those cats apparently killed deer less often than cougars farther west. So, this means that it is illegal or harass, injure, or kill a black bear or mountain lion in the State of Illinois unless you are in immediate danger of one. You might not want to bring the pet rabbit on the trail-it might be an easy meal for these big critters. National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Repair Damage: What to Know Before Making Repairs, Rare Visitors to Illinois: Large Carnivores, Hikers: Be alert for "aggressive" animals, Contact an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist. On September 16, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southern Dickinson County. Howdy Sharon! This is a limited time offer. However, one intrepid big cat headed east from western South Dakota in autumn 2009; traversed eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigans Upper Peninsula from December 2009 through May 2010; crossed into Ontario and then into northern New York; and eventually died as roadkill in June 2011 on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Connecticut (see map, page 32). The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) confirmed that there have been at least six mountain lions in Illinois between 2002 and 2019. Mike Redmer points out that historically Illinois has actually been native territory for these large carnivores. Knowing where large carnivores travel across the state will allow wildlife managers to proactively address potential human-carnivore conflicts, and mapping available suitable habitat will help biologists prepare for thepotential influenceof large carnivores on prey populations, smaller predators and the landscape. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. There was an error processing your request. If a mountain lion makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. This is about 20 miles from where the Sept. 6 photo was captured in Ontonagon County. Should you see a mountain lion on your property, and you feel that you or your property is being threatened, contact the IDNR to learn about the options available to address potential threats. A commission called the EU Platform on the Coexistence Between People and Large Carnivores (pithy title), had its first working session in June 2014, but theyve been organizing the committee for two years so that all the stakeholders (farmers, landowners, conservationists, hunters, and scientists) are represented. SB3049, which took effect January 1, 2015, amended theIllinois Wildlife Codeby adding mountain lions, black bears, and gray wolves to the list of protected species. I get there when I can and especially in the fall. All Rights Reserved. And besides, Bigfoot can use a friend after social distancing from everyone for so dang long, If I could get away with it, Id transplant them here. Even more of us have a wifes brothers girlfriends dad saw one when hunting story we dust off from time to time. Illinois state police transported the cougar to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a full necropsy and DNA analysis by a wildlife biologist. There was a problem saving your notification. I think there might be a Sasquatch out there. To coexist with large cats and other predators is a matter of tolerating them during the periods when they visit our state. A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Jo Daviess County in 2008. Wolfdog hybrids have the same legal status as dogs and are not regulated by the IDNR. If it attacks, fight for your life! However, unlike males, females rarely roam far when dispersing. There have been some confirmed sightings in Tennessee. On Sept. 2, 2019, a trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in Delta County, on the Stonington Peninsula. On Oct. 6, 2019 a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southern Marquette County. All four were sub-adult (23-year-old) males. Doty recently led a program,available at go.illinois.edu/ILlargepredators, about the return of apex predators exploring behaviors, ranges, and identification. We are those little critters! Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. I hope to see you on the mailing list! It might watch you and fantasize about eating youbut youll likely be left alone and never even know that a larger version of Garfield was drooling at the mouth when you walked by it tripping over rocks and dancing from walking into spider webs. The chances of you encountering any will be extremely low especially since there isnt a population but it is better to be prepared than to not be prepared at all and that is the purpose of this article. Most of the Midwests wandering cougarsalso called pumas, panthers or mountain lionsare usually Western cats, typically young males dispersing from western portions of the Dakotas, such as the Black Hills. Thanks. On May 24, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in western Marquette County. Young male cougars often get photographed by trail cameras as they slip through an area, never to be seen again. I better get the heck out of here! or at least that is what I think they think. Its believed that the cougars seen in Michigan are escaped or released pets, or transient cougars from breeding populations in North and South Dakota. We are always asking if a bear poops in the woods but chances are that we will poop in the woods after encountering a bear long before we find out if it does unless of course you play dead and it has a reason to poop in the woods after it has finished with you. Visual identification of wolves can be very difficult. But even though mountain lions are likely not here in a populous form doesnt mean they dont pass through the area from time to time looking for a mate. Dont climb a tree bears are excellent climbers. If attacked you should fight back, do not play dead. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Is Refreezing the North and South Poles a Possible Solution to the Climate Crisis? The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) confirmed that there have been at least six mountain lions in Illinois between 2002 and 2019. This is about 125 miles from where tracks were found on May 12 in Luce County. Big Muddy Monster? On October 13, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in western Mackinac County. From time to time, we have confirmed bear reports in and around the Shawnee National Forest, but these reports are often very rare. If the bear attacks, it is time to fight for survival. Given the limited suitable habitat available now, it may seem unlikely that mountain lions would be seen in Illinois again. It isnt a bad idea to carry a can of bear spray with you when hiking the Shawnee National Forest. Their study area was 44% forested and 37% agricultural land, with wetlands, shrublands and developed land accounting for the rest. Recent upticks in cougar sightings east of Nebraska and the Dakotas dont portend a new era in Midwestern cougar populations. Mountain lions, also known as cougars and pumas, were historically found across North America but are now primarily in the western states. Cougar attacks on humans are extremely rare. I wont give location information though because there is a hunting season for them, and I am completely opposed of bobcat hunting so I cant share that information. The distances and chronology of the images suggest that they may have been of the same animal. Cats, including mountain lions, walk with their claws retracted, so claw marks will not appear in their tracks. On May 13, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Dickinson County. Average Height: 27 to 33 inches at the shoulder, Average Weight: 60 to 130 pounds (adult male); 45 to 80 pounds (adult female), Average Length: 4 to 6 feet (including 15 to 20 inch tail). ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. In the late '90s, the Belleville News-Democrat reported a "pure black panther" wandering in the woods near Edwardsville . | The U.S. The other differences are highlighted in this graphic of a mountain lion track and a dog track. While mountain lions were eliminated from Illinois in the 1860s after habitat loss and over harvesting, they have been a protected species in Illinois the past seven years. A male wolf was shot during a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2002. Shawnee National Forest is a second growth forest. The last known wild cougar legally taken in the state occurred in 1906 near Newberry. There have been many confirmed cougar sightings since 2008, including two illegal harvests in the Upper Peninsula. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! Do not surprise the wolf. That number doesnt necessarily mean there are 76 cougars in Michigan. Officials are watching another mountain lion reported in western Illinois a few weeks ago. Do be careful around clothing stores on the weekends though, especially younger males because that is where the majority of cougar encounters occur in southern Illinois. A female wolf that had been radio-collared in Wisconsin was tracked into Stephenson County in December 2012. The diagram below shows the size difference between coyote, dog, and wolf tracks. Most bear attacks occur when people have food on them in their tent. State officials believe the cougar killed on I-88 over the weekend may have been the same one caught on a trail camera in Whiteside County. The agency also verified a cougar-killed doe in late November farther south and a bit west, along the Barron and Washburn county line. This is about 11 miles from where the Aug. 17 photo was captured in Delta County. A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Kane County in 2009. Four cougar carcasses have been confirmed in Illinois between 2002 and 2019. Plenty of, Headed to the Wild Things Conference going down Saturday, January 31, at UIC? Remember the black bear spotted throughout the summer wandering through cornfields and backyards in Northern Illinois? This is about 5 . In DeKalb County on Sunday night, a vehicle collision was first reported involving a deer. In Illinois, domestic dogs, domestic cats and bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the animals most commonly misidentified as mountain lions. If you have had a sighting in the United States, Canada, or any other country, please take a moment and report it to our team of scientists. To prevent encountering a bear, simply follow these tips: Scream out Hey Bear! every now and then while hiking in the backcountry (or apparently Rend Lake) so that any bear will instantly think to themselves Hey! Massachusetts On October 31, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in central Houghton County. Bears, wolves, and wolverines are also rapidly increasing their populations in Europe after years of decline. Keep in mind that dog tracks are highly variable in size. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Keep up the great work and stay safe. A conservation officer shot it in December 2014. The Iowa DNR confirmed about 16 cougar sightings from 1995 to 2014. Use quarters or a similar object for measurement. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Given the long distances typically traveled by mountain lion, and the proximity of the counties (especially Calhoun, Morgan and Pike), it is possible that the camera images may have shown the same individual. http://www.cafepress.com/sicc Reply Save Like 1 - 20 of 39 Posts 1 2 Next Also include images of the wider area where the tracks were found, including other local features that can be located if the tracks are destroyed by weather. Read: Michigan DNR: 10 confirmed cougar sightings in 2021. I mean come on people Garden of the Gods Outposts Sassy and now Harrisburg? Would you include a good list of snakes in the region, and what to do when they find you? I really would if I could get away with it, To sum everything up is one sentence If you encounter a large predator animal in the Shawnee National Forest: Dont run, try to look as big as possible, back away slowly, dont turn your back on the animal and if attacked, fight for survival and do whatever you have to do to survive. Throw rocks, use sticks. Large dog tracks are also often misidentified as mountain lion tracks, but there are some telltale differences. Even if you poop yourself, try to remain calm when doing it. Similarly, trail camera images taken from Sangamon and Effingham counties in November 2014 were confirmed to be of a mountain lion. Shawnee National Forest is a second growth forest. Nebraska has breeding populations in three areas: Pine Ridge, Wildcat Hills and the Niobrara River Valley. It is likely that a small number of other wolves have passed through Illinois over the last decade on their way to surrounding states. You can always share your photos long after the wildlife has gone away from the area. In 2002, a mountain lion was killed by a train in Randolph County. DNA analysis indicates that thesefouranimals were genetically similar to mountain lions from South Dakota, which strongly suggests that they were all wild males dispersing from the western population. If the bear huffs and growls and false charges you, then it is upset with you and wants its space. She formerly held positions at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Natural History Survey. www.tn.gov. Read: Michigan DNR: 10 confirmed cougar sightings in 2021. That animal has a GPS collar that was originally attached a year ago in Nebraska as part of a research project.
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