Experts in the US state of Illinois have confirmed the presence of a mountain lion moving through Union and Jackson counties in the southern part of the state. A local landowner spotted the animal, and officials from the state’s Department of Natural Resources verified the sighting using surveillance camera footage and a site inspection.
The first report regarding the predator came in August. Experts inspected the area where the animal was reportedly seen on August 25, and a few days later, a camera captured it again; the cougar was moving north toward the city of Murphysboro.
This marks the 12th confirmed mountain lion sighting in Illinois since 2002. According to local wildlife authorities, the animals had disappeared from the state by 1870 due to hunting and habitat loss. No permanent breeding population has been found in the area to date.
Previously confirmed sightings have primarily involved young males that likely traveled from western states, such as Nebraska and South Dakota. Experts advise that if one encounters a cougar, one should not approach or run away, but rather retreat slowly and report the sighting to wildlife authorities.
About the Author
