Cougar Sightings on The Rise in Northern Wisconsin

This time of year brings a unique opportunity to Northlanders to see what exactly is out in those great woods of ours.  Hunters have their trail cameras set up to spot game that could be in the area, but sometimes they spot more than they bargained for.  For example, there have been 2 cougars (mountain lions) spotted in Northern Wisconsin recently.

The Wisconsin DNR has confirmed with the help of biologists two sightings in recent months in Northern Wisconsin.  The photos were taken from trail cameras on private land in Lincoln and Marinette counties.   Add these two to a confirmed sighting closer to us in Bayfield County back in January, and we get a total of 3 this year.

According to the Minnesota DNR, there have been 14 cougar sightings in recent years in Minnesota as well.  The DNR offers these tips if you encounter a cougar.

 

Face the cougar directly, raise your arms to make yourself appear larger and speak loudly and firmly. This behavior is in direct conflict with a cougar's tendency to hunt by stalking and attacking from ambush. Do not run, crouch or lay on the ground.

Do not shoot the animal, even if livestock or pets are threatened. Cougars are a protected species and may only be killed by a licensed peace officer or authorized permit holder.

Report the encounter or sighting to a conservation officer or local law enforcement authorities as soon as possible so evidence such as photographs, tracks, hair and scat can be located, identified, confirmed and documented.