There have been 82 verified sightings since 1994. Biologists dont expect to see re-established breeding populations of cougars from Missouri to the Great Lakes anytime soon. A cougar is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped, provoked or if you appear to be prey. This is about 120 miles from where a November 7 photo was captured in Baraga County. And though most people know what a mountain lion looks like, very few people have seen one of these very rare visitors in Illinois. I think there might be a Sasquatch out there. As long as you are indoors and the animal is outdoors. Give a Gift This is about 48 miles from the southern Marquette County photo taken on October 6. Mountain lions were once common in the Prairie State and functioned as one of the top predators of deer and other game. (just moved to saline county) this was a great read! Use quarters or a similar object for measurement. If a cougar makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. Read: Michigan DNR: 10 confirmed cougar sightings in 2021. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) confirmed that there have been at least six mountain lions in Illinois between 2002 and 2019. Filming the videos, taking the photos, editing everything and writing this article takes time and its all provided for free. This is about 1 mile from where another photo was captured on August 30 in Luce County. July 20, 2021: On July 20, 2021, a trail camera video was captured of a cougar in southeastern Baraga County. This is typical wolf behavior. This article was such a joy to read. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. All four were sub-adult (23-year-old) males. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. in the pictures to aid in the determination of the size of the tracks. If you are camping and have food, hang it up away from where you are sleeping. If the bear attacks, it is time to fight for survival. A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Jo Daviess County in 2008. On May 13, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Dickinson County. Similarly, trail camera images taken from Sangamon and Effingham counties in November 2014 were confirmed to be of a mountain lion. On May 12, 2021, DNR staff identified cougar tracks in southern Luce County while conducting field work. Meaty Topic: Are Large Carnivores Moving Into a New Neck of the Woods? Kansas confirmed its first cougar in modern times when one was shot dead in 2007 in Barber County. However, in the last several years there have been confirmed sightings of individual mountain lions in the state. RESOURCES, J.B. Pritzker, Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. o the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 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 isnt a sponsored post but be sure to tell them Hiking with Shawn sent you and he will happily oblige with free ice cream for life. Do not surprise the cougar. (Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota offer tightly regulated cougar hunts for residents.). 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. There is currently no evidence that resident breeding populations of mountain lions exist in Illinois at this time. This is about 127 miles from where the April 24 photo was captured in Delta County. Include a ruler, measuring tape, or an object of standard size (quarter, business card, etc.) In some journals dating back to very earlier pioneer settlement days, people often said there were so many big trees that the area looked like nighttime in the middle of the day and that it was scary. Once we cut all the trees down, we destroyed the habitat of these larger predators and they left Illinois as a result. The other differences are highlighted in this graphic of a mountain lion track and a dog track. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. | Consider making a small monthly contribution to Hiking with Shawn by. There is also a season on them as well which I dont agree with. Some famous ones include Bruno the Bear, the Waterloo Bear Sighting, and the Rend Lake Bear Sighting. A Coyote in My Neighborhood or Yard. illinois.gov. With that note, you might not want to report Bigfoot sighting to IDNR. On October 13, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in western Mackinac County. Do not play dead. With bear bells, it is always a good thing to never sneak up on a bear as that really upsets it. Cougars for example might travel a few thousand miles looking for a mate. This is about 18 miles from where the June 1 photo was captured in Mackinac County. To explore these questions, Jerome and I talked with two wildlife management experts on the EcoMyths Worldview segment: Bill Ziegler, SVP of Animal Programs at the Chicago Zoological Society; and Mike Redmer, a biologist with the U.S. Given their relatively low numbers on the Midwests western fringe, cougars likely dont impact deer numbers. 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. Cougars are five to eight feet long and 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder with an average weight ranging from 75 to 160 pounds depending on gender. This is about 40 miles from where tracks were found in Schoolcraft County on February 20, 2020. The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed a mountain lion in Shannon County in February 2020. Attacks from the animals do happen to humans but they are rare even if the areas where these critters are flourish with them. It turns out that wolves, bears, and cougars have been returning to Illinois as their populations have grown in several neighboring states. Gray wolves have been protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code since 2015. , Your email address will not be published. It might not happen while I am alive but maybe afterwards. A male wolf and a female wolf were killed in Jo Daviess County in 2011 about 4 miles apart. If you are with a group, gather everyone together if possible and move as a group. In 2019, the Wisconsin DNR verified 12 cougar sightings with trail cameras. But before the communities and farms were there, the area was rich with virgin growth forest. The IDNR is unaware of any self-sustaining populations or packs currently residing in Illinois, but wolves originating from existing populations in Wisconsin (primarily), Michigan, and Minnesota have been documented moving through or temporarily residing in the state. Once people know they are here, they will often try to seek out the animal. 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 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. All rights reserved. Filming the videos, taking the photos, editing everything and writing this article takes time and its all provided for free. Reviewable evidence is very helpful during efforts to identify the animal and the location. I did write this guide that you might find useful https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/shawnee-national-forest-snakes/. Urbana, Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. The U.S. Even with trail cams, though, most sightings get written off as mistaken identities involving bobcats, German shepherds and even large feral cats. If you see a mountain lion: Do Not Run. Ill bring a back-scratcher to offer to Bigfoot if I encounter the guy. Clark County woman seriously injured in single-vehicle crash, Police: Quincy man arrested for having sexual contact with horse, Cardinals Hall of Famer, legendary broadcaster Mike Shannon dies at 83, Judge blocks Missouri rule that would limit transgender care, Mississippi River closes to barge traffic due to flooding, Local farmer turns to migrant workers to address job shortage. 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. How can I talk about black bear, mountain lions and wolves in the Shawnee without mentioning the obvious creature that is more likely to be out there bigfoot. But not to worry. People are scared of these animals, but they are scared due to a lack of education of these animals. Gray wolves are Endangered Species in the State of Illinois (even after removal from federal protected list) so that means harassment, harm or killing gray wolves is illegal under any circumstance. You will probably be done after that. Large predators occasionally pass through Illinois but are not here to stay. Because they are protected, mountain lions may not legally be hunted, killed or harassed unless there is an imminent threat to person or property. Dead Wildlife on My Property. Look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away. Make noise to ensure that the mountain lion is aware of your presence. 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. Not just bears, but also cougars and wolves. An IDNR biologist will review the information provided and attempt to use it to confirm the species and location of the sighting. This is about 165 miles from where the June 6 photo was captured in Chippewa County. Cougars are known to be solitary and secretive animals, rarely seen in the wild. Plenty of, Headed to the Wild Things Conference going down Saturday, January 31, at UIC? 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. Bear attacks are very rare, and I cant even find any information about the last bear attack in Illinois. Since bear and other big predator wildlife sighting have been on the increase, I think it is important to know what to do if you encounter one. Report Armadillo Sightings. State wildlife agencies strive to monitor wild cougars in their states. I saw a mountain lion up close and personal in the summer of 63 and a bit farther away the next year. It also increases the risk of negative encounters with the animal. There has been a lot of alleged cougar sightings in Southern Illinois in the last couple of years. The Michigan DNR has confirmed 51 cougar sightings since 2008. 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! This is about 34 miles from where an October 31 photo was captured in Houghton County. Copyright 2022 WGEM. I dont hear many reports of wolves, but it is possible to see them as it is with other larger predator animals. Let us know what's going on! Pick up sticks and rocks and throw it at the bear. The IDNR may assist you with control measures. Defiantly use your brain and some common sense when hiking with your pets. Do not play dead. With farm harvest season continuing, white-tail deer are on the run out of fields and onto roadways. Cougars are five to eight feet long and 27 to 31 inches at the shoulder with an average weight ranging from 75 to 160 pounds depending on gender. Since, its verified 20 more sightings, including one killed in January 2019 by bird hunters. Zudiema has now documented 1,100 cougar sightings in upper . This is about 120 miles from where a November 27, 2020 photo was captured in Schoolcraft County. Do Not Play Dead. 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. Mike Redmer points out that historically Illinois has actually been native territory for these large carnivores. On July 7, 2019, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Gogebic County, northwest of Ironwood. All 11 confirmed wolves were young (6 male, 5 female). Our wilderness areas could really be true wilderness areas if they included bear, lions, and wolves. Wolfdog hybrids do not make good pets. Historically, cougars covered much of the United States before European settlement, but were extirpated across the Midwest by the late 1800s. On April 24, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County, on the Stonington Peninsula. Most gray wolves have coats of grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur on the undersides. On June 25, 2021, trail camera photos were captured of a cougar in northern Houghton County. 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. The IDNR is currently monitoring a cougar reported in western Illinois in early October 2022. 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. The IDNR is interested in any information the public can provide about possible wolf sightings in Illinois. Black bears and mountain lions are legally Threatened Species in the State of Illinois. Calmly move away without turning your back on the bear. 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. After running into a nearby woods, the young cat seemingly vanished without a trace. The chance of even encountering a wolf in the Shawnee is probably extremely rarer than encountering a bear or cougar. Between 2000 and 2014, there have been a handful of sightings of cougars, wolves, and bears in Illinois, but not a lot. You should do that and dont forget to mention the ice cream! If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Young male mountain lions wander large distances as they look for a forested territory of their own. 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! She formerly held positions at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Natural History Survey. 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 125 miles from where tracks were found on May 12 in Luce County. If attacked you should fight back, do not play dead. Biologists, however, consider cougar predation on deer and other wildlife in areas without breeding populations to be insignificant. The government doesnt do that, dont make them think I was serious and hate me because of it. But getting attacked is probably not going to happen in the utmost rare moment that you might encounter a mountain lion in the Shawnee National Forest. 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. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. This content also appears on WBEZ.org as part of our partnership with Chicago Public Media. 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. Given the limited suitable habitat available now, it may seem unlikely that mountain lions would be seen in Illinois again. Another was killed by a bow hunter in Mercer County in 2004. 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. This is about 5 miles from where another photo was captured on October 13 in Mackinac County. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. On October 13, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in northern Mackinac County. 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. Photos and/or tracks of these animals may exist, but without genetic information it is impossible to confirm whether these animals were truly wild (from Wisconsin) or perhaps were wolfdog hybrids kept as pets that either escaped or were released intentionally by their owners. The IDNR experts believe this may be the same cougar, also known as a mountain lion or puma, captured on a trail camera in Whiteside County on Sept. 28, which was confirmed by the IDNR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Confirmed sightings in Illinois in the last 20 years show younger animals from a population in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Secondly, mountain lions are really territorial and loners. 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. 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. Best of luck to you. Get the camera! The dog will probably get hurt or even killed in the process. The nose and eyes of a puma are the sensitive parts, go for them if you have to. This is pretty cool. Wolf tracks are approximately 4 to 5 inches in length and 3 to 3 inches wide. 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. Unlike dog tracks, wolf tracks often appear with the hind track on top of the front track (known as direct registration). It has been so long, in fact, that local residents are not used to co-habitating with them although our neighbors in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Minnesota have been doing so all this time. In states like Colorado and parts of California, where people encounter large predators . As Bill points out, the return of the large predators could help achieve the natural balance of all these other animals.. If a mountain lion makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. She received her masters degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. Size Adult weight: 116-160 pounds (male) and 75-110 pounds (female) Length: 80-95 inches (male) and 72-80 inches (female) Tail length: 28-38 inches and ropelike with a black tip
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