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. If permitted by the witness, the sighting report and the followup investigation notes are added to the main sightings database (accessible . On Oct. 29, 2020, the U.S. "I love it when a plan comes together:" Thomas Allen may have missed a day-starting coffee and chill time, but his planning before a recent turkey hunt in Minnesota had him ready when gobblers showed up earlier than expected, and just before an April winter storm blew in. And though most people know what a mountain lion looks like, very few people have seen one of these very rare visitors in Illinois. 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. Chances are that the cat will notice you, way before you notice it and hide. This is pretty cool. 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. Mike Redmer points out that historically Illinois has actually been native territory for these large carnivores. On Sept. 22, 2019 a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County, north of Saint Jacques. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. Remember the black bear spotted throughout the summer wandering through cornfields and backyards in Northern Illinois? Report Feral Swine Sightings. However, unlike males, females rarely roam far when dispersing. Cougar Village map Author: SIUE Marketing & Communications Subject: Cougar Village map Keywords: Cougar Village Map, cougar village map, map, cougar village, layout, cougar village layout, cougar village buildings, buildings Created Date: 8/11/2006 2:25:06 PM Do not play dead. Most of the sightings have been in Michigans upper peninsula, but the first confirmed sighting in the lower peninsula was in Clinton County in 2017. Im new to the area. http://www.cafepress.com/sicc Reply Save Like 1 - 20 of 39 Posts 1 2 Next If the bear attacks, it is time to fight for survival. This is about 36 miles from where the January 12 photo was captured in Schoolcraft County. In the event that these animals are sighted, most of the time, they are only passing through the area. In the event that a bear charges you and attacks fight back! We certainly need to keep a respectful distance. 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. On October 13, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in western Mackinac County. On April 24, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County, on the Stonington Peninsula. If anyone sees a cougar, they are asked to call Fish and Wildlife dispatch at 360-902-2936. The NGPC has been coordinating with state agencies on GPS location data as the animal recently made an eastward journey across Iowa and into Illinois. Large predators occasionally pass through Illinois but are not here to stay. Confirmed Mountain Lion Sightings in Illinois. If the dog is a toy-whatever, the bear might actually start laughing and then eat it. The DNR said it's very rare for a mountain lion to pose a threat to people or property, but if you do encounter one that doesn't immediately flee, you should stand tall, wave your arms, throw stones or other objects and yell. A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Jo Daviess County in 2008. Would you include a good list of snakes in the region, and what to do when they find you? This is about 50 miles from where a June 25 photo was captured in Houghton County. By definition, breeding territories must include at least one female cougar. If you are with a group, gather everyone together if possible and move as a group. The report will be kept quiet and not published if you request it. (just moved to saline county) this was a great read! 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This is about 20 miles from where the Sept. 6 photo was captured in Ontonagon County. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. Wolfdog hybrids have the same legal status as dogs and are not regulated by the IDNR. I think hunting should be reserved for food hunting. Meaty Topic: Are Large Carnivores Moving Into a New Neck of the Woods? 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. The graphic below highlights some of the key features used to distinguish coyotes from wolves. A fourth was killed by an Illinois Conservation Police officer at a farmstead in Whiteside County in November 2013. This is about 30 miles from where the January 26 photo was captured in Delta County. 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. In Illinois, gray wolves are currently listed as a state endangered species and they are also protected as a federally endangered species. If you see a mountain lion: Do Not Run. I saw a mountain lion up close and personal in the summer of 63 and a bit farther away the next year. Most gray wolves have coats of grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur on the undersides. Squirrels with Missing Fur. Really! The DNR encouraged people not to run, but to slowly back away from the location while keeping an eye on the animal. Mountain lions, also known as cougars and pumas, were historically found across North America but are now primarily in the western states. A male wolf and a female wolf were killed in Jo Daviess County in 2011 about 4 miles apart. But the Outpost does sell a lot of Bigfoot stuff and buying it will support a local business that depends on your business! Illinois Department of Natural Resources photo. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. On July 13, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Ontonagon County. Throw rocks, sticks, hit it with objects, scream, spit, poop your pants, throw up, sing terribly-whatever you have to do to survive. On Nov. 8, 2019, a trail camera captured multiple photos of a cougar in western Schoolcraft County. You can always share your photos long after the wildlife has gone away from the area. Original images of the animal or its tracks should be included. On July 12, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County. The cougar is the largest wildcat in North America, north of Mexico. 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 increase sightings might be a sign that is could possible in years to come. 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. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. On Oct. 6, 2019 a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southern Marquette County. Recent upticks in cougar sightings east of Nebraska and the Dakotas dont portend a new era in Midwestern cougar populations. This is about 12 miles from the Schoolcraft County trail camera photo taken on November 15, 2019. The truth of the matter is that young male cougars do continually crisscross core Midwestern states in futile attempts to find a mate, but no wildlife agency east of Nebraska and the Dakotas sees evidence of a homegrown breeding population. On February 20, 2020, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in southeastern Schoolcraft County while conducting wolf track surveys. Illinois verified three cougars from 2002 to 2008. 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. Cats, including mountain lions, walk with their claws retracted, so claw marks will not appear in their tracks. No black color phase (termed melanistic) of a cougar has ever been documented. 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. Do not surprise the wolf. This article was such a joy to read. 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. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. Average Length: 60 to 95 inches Average Height: 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder Average Weight: 115 to 160 pounds (adult male); 75 to 110 pounds (adult female) Photo: Jeanne Drake, courtesy of Cougar Network In addition, the biologists will look to find where the animal came from and its travels across the Midwest. Jane Wiedenhoeft, a Wisconsin DNR biologist who investigates cougar reports, says mature males drive juvenile males from their territories. If a cougar makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. A cougar is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped, provoked or if you appear to be prey. It might not happen while I am alive but maybe afterwards. On Nov. 15, 2019, a trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in eastern Schoolcraft County. 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. Given the limited suitable habitat available now, it may seem unlikely that mountain lions would be seen in Illinois again. Throw rocks, use sticks. If you encounter a cougar in the wild you should face the animal, stand tall, wave your arms and talk in a loud voice. On November 7, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southwest Baraga County. This is about 1 mile from where another photo was captured on August 30 in Luce County. A lot of people think they are here and that we have a lot of them. 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. According to the IDNR website, if you see a cougar, do not run. 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. All four were sub-adult (23-year-old) males. I cant wait to go explore this beautiful forest. My Bad. For most of us, the closest well get to a mountain lion in Illinois is by sitting down and reading about them. Young male mountain lions wander large distances as they look for a forested territory of their own. We are those little critters! A young mountain lion that was part of a cougar population in Nebraska embarked on a multi-state journey this year, officials said. In states like Colorado and parts of California, where people encounter large predators regularly, the public feels more informed about these animals and even excited to see them. The IDNR website also says to respect the cougars space, and do not approach the animal. Between 2000 and 2014, there have been a handful of sightings of cougars, wolves, and bears in Illinois, but not a lot. https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/shawnee-national-forest-snakes/, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: Old Stoneface Trail | Hiking With Shawn, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: Horse Creek Trail. In DeKalb County on Sunday night, a vehicle collision was first reported involving a deer. On May 12, 2021, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in southern Luce County while conducting field work. The mountain lion/cougar probably occurred throughout most of the state originally, but nowhere in great numbers. With that note, you might not want to report Bigfoot sighting to IDNR. When documenting tracks or other signs, be sure to photograph individual tracks as well as groups of tracks. Several large mammals that we are not used to seeing in the Chicago region have been turning up occasionally in recent years. Other bear sightings have been officially vetted in and around the Shawnee National Forest over the years. I dont hear many reports of wolves, but it is possible to see them as it is with other larger predator animals. A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Kane County in 2009. (Michigan Department of Natural Resouces). Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. 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. Contact your local animal control agency with questions regarding wolf/dog hybrids. The IDNR will work with you to identify the threat and assist you with control measures. On October 31, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in central Houghton County. Weight: 15-30 pounds Length: About 30-50 inches long Tail: About 4-5 inches long Mountain Lion Weight: 80-160 pounds Length: About 7-8 feet long Tail: 2-3 feet long (up to half of the total length) Identification The mountain lion is a large, slender cat, with a long rope-like tail. Success! Bears, wolves, and wolverines are also rapidly increasing their populations in Europe after years of decline. For that matter, dont mess with sasquatch at all, eat your beef jerky and leave him the heck alone. Following a February 10, 2022, court order, gray wolves in the contiguous 48 states, with the exception of the Northern Rocky Mountain population, are once again protected under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in Minnesota and endangered in the remaining states. After running into a nearby woods, the young cat seemingly vanished without a trace. Read: Michigan DNR: 10 confirmed cougar sightings in 2021. 302 total listings State map of individual report locations (requires Adobe SVG Viewer plug-in for your browser) State terrain & political maps with report totals & population density by county Most Recent Reports November 2021, Cass County (Class A) - SATURDAY NIGHT 10:30 : Motorist sighting of a sasquatch crossing Route 78 near Sangamon River If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. The nose and eyes of a puma are the sensitive parts, go for them if you have to. Please provide any documentation, including original images of individual animals or tracks that you were able to obtain. However, wolves may also have solid coats of black or white. DNA testing of cougars previously found in Illinois showed they were originally from the Black Hills in South Dakota. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. It is no secret that Black Bear and Mountain Lions occasionally come into Illinois. 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. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) confirmed that there have been at least six mountain lions in Illinois between 2002 and 2019. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? They have a tan or tawny coat with a white or cream-colored chin, undersides, and inside of legs. This is about 47 miles from where a May 24 photo was captured in Marquette County. Another was killed by a bow hunter in Mercer County in 2004. On May 13, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Dickinson County. I call bull. Mountain lionshave been protected in Illinois since 2015. In recent years, numerous cougar sighting reports have been received from various locations in Michigan. We have bobcat and I have seen many of them. Gray wolves have been protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code since 2015. The animal was identified as a male because the scrotum and black hair around the penis sheath opening are visible in two of the photos. In Illinois, their optimal food sources would include the overpopulation of raccoons and deer. In 2013, a conservation warden killed one inside a Whiteside County barn. Pick up sticks and rocks and throw it at the bear. Another was killed by a bow hunter in Mercer County in 2004. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer. Occasionally, a states wildlife department will issue a press release about a credible sighting, or a report of a big cat showing up in a spot where it shouldnt be will make the local TV news. Dont run. Reviewable evidence is very helpful during efforts to identify the animal and the location. Some bigfoot sightings in the Shawnee occur around Franks Tract near Lusk Creek while others have reported to see Bigfoot and its family enjoying ice cream around Karbers Ridge. For a deeper dive, read the full Myth: Wild Predators Belong Anywhere But Here. You can report the sighting to the DNR and include photos. This map was created by a user. On June 6, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Chippewa County. In March 2013, the wolf was found dead near Apple Canyon Lake in Jo Daviess County. If you are in a group, gather everyone together, if possible, and move as a group. This is about 125 miles from where tracks were found on May 12 in Luce County. 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. Is Refreezing the North and South Poles a Possible Solution to the Climate Crisis? Throw rocks, use sticks. 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. Officials said the increase in the use of trail cameras by the public could contribute to the increased number of cougar reports. To coexist with large cats and other predators is a matter of tolerating them during the periods when they visit our state.
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