On May 24, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in western Marquette County. Do not play dead. Cougars are known to be solitary and secretive animals, rarely seen in the wild. It is no secret that Black Bear and Mountain Lions occasionally come into Illinois. I better get the heck out of here! or at least that is what I think they think. They would kill one and another and we would find their corpses. The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed a mountain lion in Shannon County in February 2020. The government could help make that possible by dropping them into the forest with helicopters like they do with rattlesnakes and armadillos That is joke people! In 2013, a conservation warden killed one inside a Whiteside County barn. RESOURCES, J.B. Pritzker, Since, its verified 20 more sightings, including one killed in January 2019 by bird hunters. When documenting tracks or other signs, be sure to photograph individual tracks as well as groups of tracks. They are still scared of us after all! There havent been any updates on 2022 sightings on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website yet this year. . This is pretty cool. Ears are rounded and the long thick tail is tipped in black. A cougar is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped, provoked or if you appear to be prey. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. This information will help wildlife officials with their inquiry into your report. 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. 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. But before the communities and farms were there, the area was rich with virgin growth forest. Bears, Wolves, Cougars. December 23, 2021: On December 23, 2021, cougar tracks were found in southwestern Delta County. Mountain lions are typically very elusive, so most sightings last only a few seconds. Throw rocks, use sticks. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. You have permission to edit this article. Respect the mountain lions space and do not approach it. This is about 5 miles from where another photo was captured on October 13 in Mackinac County. Include in the image an object to aid in the determination of size including a ruler, tape measure, or common object of standard size (coin or paper money, business card, etc). It also increases the risk of negative encounters with the animal. Is Refreezing the North and South Poles a Possible Solution to the Climate Crisis? Ive encountered some pretty mean stray dogs from time to time and a can of defense spray would had come in handy. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Error! Required fields are marked *. There was an error processing your request. 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! The big cats have regularly reappeared over the past few decades, with many sightings coming from the increased public use of trail cameras. On Sept. 22, 2019 a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County, north of Saint Jacques. If a bear hears you, chances are, it will attempt to avoid you. 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. In addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves. The lynx and the bobcat are the other two. 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. You might also look into bear bells and sound devices used to scare away bears as a more non-harmful approach to dealing with bear encounters. On June 6, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Chippewa County. On Sept. 18, 2019, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in northern Delta County. I dont hear many reports of wolves, but it is possible to see them as it is with other larger predator animals. Thanks. This is about 160 miles from where October 13 photos were captured in Mackinac County. Gray wolves have been protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code since 2015. In the late '90s, the Belleville News-Democrat reported a "pure black panther" wandering in the woods near Edwardsville . And though most people know what a mountain lion looks like, very few people have seen one of these very rare visitors in Illinois. 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. 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. illinois.gov. 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. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Ziegler and Redmer were among the expert hosts of a conference last week at the Brookfield Zoo to start planning how to coordinate the official response when one of these animals comes to town. 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. 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. Humph. According to the IDNR website, if you see a cougar, do not run. There are problems with that belief. These animals periodically wander into our state which is exciting, but most of Illinois does not have the habitat to support populations so they will continue to move on, says Peggy Doty, University of Illinois Extension natural resources, environment, and energy educator. She received her masters degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. This is about 50 miles from where the May 13 photo was captured in Dickinson County. Shawnee National Forest is a second growth forest. In recent years, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of mountain lions, black bears, and wolves in Illinois. Remember the black bear spotted throughout the summer wandering through cornfields and backyards in Northern Illinois? Indiana confirmed one cougar sighting in fall 2009 in southern Clay County, and another in spring 2010 in northern Greene County. 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! We certainly need to keep a respectful distance. This is about 12 miles from where the Sep 6th photo was captured in Ontonagon 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. State wildlife agencies strive to monitor wild cougars in their states. All rights reserved. The Minnesota DNR verified 31 cougars, mostly on trail cams or dead as roadkill, from 2004 through 2018. "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. Your email address will not be published. If it attacks, fight for your life! Just a note on mountain lions. 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. Black bear is the only bear that will ever likely occur within the Shawnee National Forest and at one time, long before the forest, we had a population of these types of bear. Best of luck to you. Officials had been tracking its movements through a GPS collar that was attached last fall by researchers in Nebraska. That will be a disaster which could lead to your buddy or you getting bit by to Coyote in the process. Throw rocks, use sticks. Map type: Reports by CountyReports by County with RoadsTerrain & RoadsReports & Population Density by County. (Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota offer tightly regulated cougar hunts for residents.). This is about 127 miles from where the April 24 photo was captured in Delta County. If anyone sees a cougar, they are asked to call Fish and Wildlife dispatch at 360-902-2936. The nose and eyes of a puma are the sensitive parts, go for them if you have to. 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. Confirmed Mountain Lion Sightings in Illinois. The distances and chronology of the images suggest that they may have been of the same animal. Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel,Hiking with Shawnas well as Hiking with Shawn LLC. This is typical wolf behavior. In DeKalb County on Sunday night, a vehicle collision was first reported involving a deer. URBANA, Ill. - Mountain lions have been on the move this fall with two confirmed sightings of animals in northern and central Illinois. On July 12, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Delta County. College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences. Listen to the Worldview podcast of our conversation above for the whole story and to learn more about cougars, bears, and wolves. Also, five sets of cougar tracks were confirmed and 16 sightings were highly likely.. Do not surprise the mountain lion. It has been illegal to own a cougar or large exotic cats such as African lions, leopards, and jaguars, in Michigan since 2000. A female wolf was trapped and released in Whiteside County in December 2012. If you encounter a cougar in the wild you should face the animal, stand tall, wave your arms and talk in a loud voice. Apex predators are crucial to maintaining the overall health of natural systems, Doty says. 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. Cougar 2021 Confirmed Cougar Sightings January 12, 2021 On January 12, 2021, a security camera captured and tracks were found from a cougar in Southwestern Schoolcraft County. in the pictures to aid in the determination of the size of the tracks. This is about 5 miles from where a DNR trail camera captured a photo of a cougar on Oct. 1, 2018. But the Outpost does sell a lot of Bigfoot stuff and buying it will support a local business that depends on your business! Though that wasnt always so. To coexist with large cats and other predators is a matter of tolerating them during the periods when they visit our state. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. If you ever actually encounter bigfoot, I have no advice for you. 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. If completely safe to do so, take photos/video footage of the animal, its tracks and scat. With farm harvest season continuing, white-tail deer are on the run out of fields and onto roadways. Illinois verified three cougars from 2002 to 2008. Even if you poop yourself, try to remain calm when doing it. I heard the DNR released them to control the deer population, however, DNR denies this. Dont run as it may agitate the bear and put it into chase mode. Look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away. Im not trying to tell you what to do here but I do not recommend sharing any reports of these sources of wildlife to social media or the news. Make noise to ensure that the mountain lion is aware of your presence. The IDNR may assist you with control measures. Please provide any documentation, including original images of individual animals or tracks that you were able to obtain. Wolves are the largest wild canine in Illinois. Really! Mountain lionshave been protected in Illinois since 2015. However, in the last few years, weve seen reports of officially vetted sighting of black bears and even mountain lions in the southern Illinois area. "We really seemed to see an. This is about 115 miles from where the March 31 video was captured in Dickinson County. Consider making a small monthly contribution to Hiking with Shawn by. Make noise to ensure that the cougar is aware of your presence. Mountain lions less than a year old have dark brown spots. Are All Compostable Bags Acceptable in Curbside Bins? That number doesnt necessarily mean there are 76 cougars in Michigan. For that matter, dont mess with sasquatch at all, eat your beef jerky and leave him the heck alone. 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. 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. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources). One that's smoked first. 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 This is about 10 miles from where August 30 photos were captured in Luce County. In Illinois, their optimal food sources would include the overpopulation of raccoons and deer. DNA testing of cougars previously found in Illinois showed they were originally from the Black Hills in South Dakota. The IDNR is interested in any information the public can provide about possible wolf sightings in Illinois. 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. The agency also verified a cougar-killed doe in late November farther south and a bit west, along the Barron and Washburn county line. On August 30, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southcentral Luce County. I call bull. The cougar is the largest wildcat in North America, north of Mexico. 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. Young male mountain lions wander large distances as they look for a forested territory of their own. January 12, 2021: On January 12, 2021, a security camera captured and tracks were found from a cougar in Southwestern Schoolcraft County. The IDNR is currently monitoring a cougar reported in western Illinois in early October 2022. This is about 12 miles from the Schoolcraft County trail camera photo taken on November 15, 2019. If a squirrel attacks you, fight for survival! As always, be safe out there when exploring the Shawnee National Forest and leave with good memories, not bad injuries. Include a ruler, measuring tape, or an object of standard size (quarter, business card, etc.) Again, I am not telling you what to do but that is what I will do. In all seriousness, dont screw with the big cat, give it plenty of space to escape you and never turn your back on it. Youll love the area. The DNR's count of cougar sightings hit double digits for the first time in 2019, with the agency recording more sightings in the last three years than it did during the previous decade. I saw a mountain lion up close and personal in the summer of 63 and a bit farther away the next year. A human is looking for me. This is about 50 miles from where a July 20 video was captured in Baraga County. Learn how to create your own. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. Id love to see it happen while I am alive. Hi Shawn. . 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. Am I a bear? A mountain lion is not likely to attack a person unless it feels trapped, provoked, or if you appear to be preywhich is why you should not run away from a mountain lion. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. Dont approach or attempt to feed them. I did write this guide that you might find useful https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/shawnee-national-forest-snakes/. 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! 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. No black color phase (termed melanistic) of a cougar has ever been documented. If the bear attacks, it is time to fight for survival. I spent some summers on a relatives farm near Golconda in the sixties. These large predators were extirpated from Illinois in the late 1800s as natural habitats changed and white-tailed deer were hunted nearly to extinction in the Midwest. First reported as a deer, the cougar was running across Interstate 88 near eastbound milepost 104.25 when struck and killed. Even with trail cams, though, most sightings get written off as mistaken identities involving bobcats, German shepherds and even large feral cats. Keep your dog on a leash! Mike Redmer points out that historically Illinois has actually been native territory for these large carnivores. Although not expressly prohibited, wolfdog hybrids may be confiscated by local animal control authorities as the rabies vaccines used for dogs are not certified for wolfdog hybrids. It isnt a bad idea to carry a can of bear spray with you when hiking the Shawnee National Forest. Mountain lions were once common in the Prairie State and functioned as one of the top predators of deer and other game. Please support Shawns efforts by sharing this post and leaving a comment below. Should we fear them? People are scared of these animals, but they are scared due to a lack of education of these animals. Instead of playing dead, slowly but carefully attempt to leave the area after making the bear aware of your presence. Several large mammals that we are not used to seeing in the Chicago region have been turning up occasionally in recent years. 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. This is about 34 miles from where an October 31 photo was captured in Houghton County. Now we do have similar wildlife that does officially occur within the Shawnee Forest Country. Dont push your weak friend down and let them get ate while you flee, that isnt very cool. Cougars can be confused with bobcats and domestic dogs, however cougars are much larger than all these . Concerns About Seeing Wildlife. The DNR encouraged people not to run, but to slowly back away from the location while keeping an eye on the animal. 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. In 2002, a mountain lion was killed by a train in Randolph County. DEPARTMENT Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Go Big or Go Home to Hook Lunker Summer Bass, Best New Baitcasting Rods & Reels for 2022, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Sweet Streams: 5 Hot Rivers for Midwest Smallies, Make Crawfish Part of Perfect Summertime Meal, Tackle Test 2022: Top Bass Rods & Reels Reviewed, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. 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. 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. Today, there are no known breeding populations of these large predators in Illinois, though occasionally individual animals will move through looking for new territory. In Illinois, domestic dogs, domestic cats and bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the animals most commonly misidentified as mountain lions. This is about 95 miles from where a November 12 photo was captured in Baraga County. It turns out that wolves, bears, and cougars have been returning to Illinois as their populations have grown in several neighboring states. On November 27, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar near Gulliver Lake, in Schoolcraft County. 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. Large predators occasionally pass through Illinois but are not here to stay. Meaty Topic: Are Large Carnivores Moving Into a New Neck of the Woods? Secondly, mountain lions are really territorial and loners. Given the limited suitable habitat available now, it may seem unlikely that mountain lions would be seen in Illinois again. Bill Ziegler describes these animals as apex predators because they are at the top of the carnivore food chain. On Sept. 3, 2019, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Gogebic County. A male wolf was shot during a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2002. It is best to report to the DNR and let them handle it from there. The graphic below highlights some of the key features used to distinguish coyotes from wolves.