Im sorry IDNR if that suggestion is ignored and you get Bigfoot reports Oops. When documenting tracks or other signs, be sure to photograph individual tracks as well as groups of tracks. On Sept. 6, 2019, a DNR trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in Ontonagon County, northeast of Bergland. Try to punch, kick, scream-whatever you have to do to survive. I really would if I could get away with it, To sum everything up is one sentence If you encounter a large predator animal in the Shawnee National Forest: Dont run, try to look as big as possible, back away slowly, dont turn your back on the animal and if attacked, fight for survival and do whatever you have to do to survive. Ive encountered some pretty mean stray dogs from time to time and a can of defense spray would had come in handy. | 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. Apex predators are crucial to maintaining the overall health of natural systems, Doty says. Illinois verified three cougars from 2002 to 2008. And though most people know what a mountain lion looks like, very few people have seen one of these very rare visitors in Illinois. Please support Shawns efforts by sharing this post and leaving a comment below. Howdy Sharon! 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 Ears are rounded and the long thick tail is tipped in black. Biologists dont expect to see re-established breeding populations of cougars from Missouri to the Great Lakes anytime soon. It has been illegal to own a cougar or large exotic cats such as African lions, leopards, and jaguars, in Michigan since 2000. March 31, 2021: On March 31, 2021, a trail camera video was captured of a cougar in northeast Dickinson County. Historically, cougars covered much of the United States before European settlement, but were extirpated across the Midwest by the late 1800s. Throw rocks, use sticks. This is about 50 miles from where a July 20 video was captured in Baraga County. 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. 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). Instead of playing dead, slowly but carefully attempt to leave the area after making the bear aware of your presence. A female wolf that had been radio-collared in Wisconsin was tracked into Stephenson County in December 2012. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. 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. Wolfdog hybrids do not make good pets. Another was killed by a bow hunter in Mercer County in 2004. 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. I get there when I can and especially in the fall. This is about 165 miles from where the June 6 photo was captured in Chippewa County. But in reality, I do hope they come back here. The Illinois DNR has verified only three cougars here since the late 1800s, and those have been within the past several years. Bears, wolves, and wolverines are also rapidly increasing their populations in Europe after years of decline. With farm harvest season continuing, white-tail deer are on the run out of fields and onto roadways. Consider making a small monthly contribution to Hiking with Shawn by. From time to time, we have confirmed bear reports in and around the Shawnee National Forest, but these reports are often very rare. Gray wolves have been protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code since 2015. Cougars, also known as mountain lions or pumas, were native to Michigan but were wiped out in the early 1900s. On May 13, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Dickinson County. The graphic below highlights some of the key features used to distinguish coyotes from wolves. 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. A conservation officer shot it in December 2014. Basic natural history information and a current list of mountain lion sightings in the state are available on the mountain lion page at Wildlife Illinois. This powerful predator ranges from 5 to 8 feet in total length and weighs from 70 to 250 pounds, with males being bigger than females. One set of photos even showed a cougar killing a doe in mid-August in Bayfield County, which borders Lake Superior. I hope to see you on the mailing list! January 12, 2021: On January 12, 2021, a security camera captured and tracks were found from a cougar in Southwestern Schoolcraft County. Illinois does not have sufficient habitat to support stable populations of these large predators. Urbana, 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. Not just bears, but also cougars and wolves. This article was such a joy to read. She formerly held positions at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, University of Illinois Extension, Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Natural History Survey. More information about mountain lions is also available on the Wildlife Illinois website at www.wildlifeillinois.org. If you believe you spotted a cougar in Michigan you can use this online form to report the sighting to the DNR. The previous high was 20 verified sightings in 2017. If you are in a group, gather everyone together, if possible, and move as a group. If the mountain lion 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. If a horsefly attacks you-scream and run for your life. That animal has a GPS collar that was originally attached a year ago in Nebraska as part of a research project. People are scared of these animals, but they are scared due to a lack of education of these animals. First of all, everyone has an awesome camera in their pocket and none of us can ever do wrong and get away with it anymore without someone snapping a photo or video but yet they dont when they see a mountain lion??? You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. If the dog is a toy-whatever, the bear might actually start laughing and then eat it. DNA testing of cougars previously found in Illinois showed they were originally from the Black Hills in South Dakota. There are occasional sightings, and there may possibly be the rare traveler that passes through. Recent upticks in cougar sightings east of Nebraska and the Dakotas dont portend a new era in Midwestern cougar populations. Go to Camping and lodging Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. The public can report wildlife sightings at www.wildlifeillinois.org/sightings. An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. Mike Redmer points out that historically Illinois has actually been native territory for these large carnivores. They would kill one and another and we would find their corpses. 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. On June 25, 2021, trail camera photos were captured of a cougar in northern Houghton County. On September 16, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in southern Dickinson County. Illinois now has a large population of white-tailed deer due in part to the lack of predators.While predators are an important part of the ecosystem and research from the Illinois Natural History Survey shows people in Illinois have a neutral stance on their recolonization, Doty says there are no plans to reintroduce them to the state. It isnt a bad idea to carry a can of bear spray with you when hiking the Shawnee National Forest. We certainly need to keep a respectful distance. On July 7, 2019, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in Gogebic County, northwest of Ironwood. Give a Gift The cougar, Puma concolor, also known as mountain lion, panther, painter, puma and catamount, is the largest feline animal in North America. Secondly, mountain lions are really territorial and loners. In states like Colorado and parts of California, where people encounter large predators . There havent been any updates on 2022 sightings on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website yet this year. QUINCY (WGEM) - A cougar made its way through the Tri-States, according to Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Attacks from the animals do happen to humans but they are rare even if the areas where these critters are flourish with them. Dont climb a tree bears are excellent climbers. Pick up sticks and rocks and throw it at the bear. They are now listed as an endangered species in Michigan and have been spotted on 76 occasions since 2008. View Google Map for locations near Cougar : Amboy, Yacolt, Ariel, Battle Ground, La Center. Use quarters or a similar object for measurement. Consider making a small monthly contribution to Hiking with Shawn by becoming an official Patreon supporter on Hiking with Shawn! Minnesota DNR verifies cougar sighting on trail camera near Baudette 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. Once people know they are here, they will often try to seek out the animal. If you are camping and have food, hang it up away from where you are sleeping. Are All Compostable Bags Acceptable in Curbside Bins? Young mountain lion tranquilized after roaming from NE to IL | The The other differences are highlighted in this graphic of a mountain lion track and a dog track. This is about 4 miles from the Delta County photo taken on August 17th. The agency also verified a cougar-killed doe in late November farther south and a bit west, along the Barron and Washburn county line. Will we see more of these wild predators in the coming years? 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. No purchase required. Bears, wolves, cougars and others in the Shawnee National Forest However, one intrepid big cat headed east from western South Dakota in autumn 2009; traversed eastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigans Upper Peninsula from December 2009 through May 2010; crossed into Ontario and then into northern New York; and eventually died as roadkill in June 2011 on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Connecticut (see map, page 32). If the bear seems agitated or defensive towards you, yell and scream at it. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported on Oct. 17 that a mountain lion, also known as cougars, had been struck and . You will probably be done after that. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. That will be a disaster which could lead to your buddy or you getting bit by to Coyote in the process. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Biologists, however, consider cougar predation on deer and other wildlife in areas without breeding populations to be insignificant. That is why the IDNR requests that the public report mountain lion sightings in Illinois. Gray Wolves - Wildlife Illinois Similarly, trail camera images taken from Sangamon and Effingham counties in November 2014 were confirmed to be of a mountain lion. Dont push your weak friend down and let them get ate while you flee, that isnt very cool. If anyone sees a cougar, they are asked to call Fish and Wildlife dispatch at 360-902-2936. On October 31, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in central Houghton County. ILLINOIS Squirrels with Missing Fur. Help support concealed carry in Illinois, show your support. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. Map of Cougar area hotels: Locate Cougar hotels on a map based on popularity, price, or availability, and see Tripadvisor reviews, photos, and deals. Do not play dead. Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. On May 24, 2021, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in western Marquette County. Shawnee National Forest is a second growth forest. If a squirrel attacks you, fight for survival! This is about 12 miles from the Schoolcraft County trail camera photo taken on November 15, 2019. An IDNR biologist will review the information provided and attempt to use it to confirm the species and location of the sighting. If the bear huffs and growls and false charges you, then it is upset with you and wants its space. The IDNR website also says to respect the cougars space, and do not approach the animal. There have been eight confirmed mountain lions in Illinois between 2002 and . Cougar Numbers Increasing in the Midwest? - Game & Fish Mountain Lion - Wildlife Illinois There have been some confirmed sightings in Tennessee. In 2002, a mountain lion was killed by a train in Randolph County. When documenting tracks or other signs, be sure to photograph individual tracks as well as groups of tracks. Even with trail cams, though, most sightings get written off as mistaken identities involving bobcats, German shepherds and even large feral cats. URBANA, Ill. - Mountain lions have been on the move this fall with two confirmed sightings of animals in northern and central Illinois. It turns out that wolves, bears, and cougars have been returning to Illinois as their populations have grown in several neighboring states. 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. 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. On June 1, 2020, a trail camera photo was captured of a cougar in eastern Mackinac County. Hi Shawn. Chances are that the cat will notice you, way before you notice it and hide. If you were to encounter a bear, lion or wolf and you have a loose dog, the dog will likely try to attack it. If you have recently seen a gray wolf in Illinois, please. The Michigan DNR has confirmed 51 cougar sightings since 2008. Read: Michigan DNR: 10 confirmed cougar sightings in 2021. 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. There is also a season on them as well which I dont agree with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hiking with Shawn is an entity of Hiking with Shawn LLC, registered in the State of Illinois. This is about 14 miles from where the Sept. 18 photo was captured in northern Delta County. Of course, back then, we had Black Bear, wolves, and mountain lions. Have you ever watched a house cat sneak up on a mouse or bird or something like that and pounce them? In addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves. Inexperienced observers can easily confuse a coyote for a wolf, especially during the winter, when coyotes have thicker winter coats and thus appear larger. Rare Visitors to Illinois: Large Carnivores - Wildlife Illinois 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. This is about 1 mile from where another photo was captured on August 30 in Luce County. That number doesnt necessarily mean there are 76 cougars in Michigan. Once we cut all the trees down, we destroyed the habitat of these larger predators and they left Illinois as a result. My Bad. Two were shot, and a train hit the third. Thanks, Diana Massey. Take your pack off and hold it over your head. 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. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. 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. There was an error processing your request. However, unlike males, females rarely roam far when dispersing. A young mountain lion that was part of a cougar population in Nebraska embarked on a multi-state journey this year, officials said. Cougars In Southern Illinois | Graybeard Outdoors However, in the last several years there have been confirmed sightings of individual mountain lions in the state. But if you do encounter an actual bigfoot, lets go over the obvious safety tips that we have learned over the years from television and redneck encounters Never knock on Bigfoots cave and put a bag of flaming poop on his doorstep he wont get the joke like we do. If you are in a group, gather everyone together, if possible, and move as a group. Thanks for taking the time to educate us. Its believed that the cougars seen in Michigan are escaped or released pets, or transient cougars from breeding populations in North and South Dakota. 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! On Nov. 15, 2019, a trail camera captured a photo of a cougar in eastern Schoolcraft County. This is about 3 miles from where a December 22 video was captured in Delta County. (requires Adobe SVG Viewer plug-in for your browser), - Family describes multiple incidents in Custer Park, 45 SE of Chicago, - SATURDAY NIGHT 10:30 : Motorist sighting of a sasquatch crossing Route 78 near Sangamon River, - Possible Sasquatch sighting by camper near Camp Cadiz in Shawnee National Forest, State terrain & political maps with report totals & population density by county. Officially, they have not come back to form new habitats. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. 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 Dont run. Dead Wildlife on My Property. 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 Nov. 8, 2019, a trail camera captured multiple photos of a cougar in western Schoolcraft County. If you feel that your person or property is being threatened by gray wolves, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Now we do have similar wildlife that does officially occur within the Shawnee Forest Country.