Mondovi, WI (WXOW) - There is a cougar roaming Buffalo County.
It was photographed on a trail camera between Gilmanton and Mondovi sometime after dark on Saturday.
The DNR says There is currently no evidence that cougars are breeding in Wisconsin. Biologists believe the cougars known to have entered Wisconsin are male cougars dispersing from a breeding population in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
This is the second cougar sighting this year in Wisconsin. A cougar was spotted near Crandon in March.
DNA testing of biological samples and other evidence has confirmed that at least six individual male cougars have visited Wisconsin since 2008
Cougar attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. They are rarely seen even in western states where they exist in high numbers.
Cougars are not considered a threat to public safety. In the extremely unlikely event that a person is confronted by a cougar, experts recommend against running. Instead, face the cougar, spread your arms and open your coat or jacket if you are wearing one to appear larger. Take hold of small children so they do not run. Yell at the cougar. If it approaches, throw rocks or sticks at it.
For more information on cougars in Wisconsin, go to the DNR's "
cougar sightings" web page.
Individuals who have observed cougars in Wisconsin, especially if they have obtained photos, are urged to report cougars on the "
Rare Mammal Observation form" on the Cougar Web site.
Cougars are not considered a threat to public safety.
In the extremely unlikely event that a person is confronted by a cougar, experts recommend against running. Instead, face the cougar, spread your arms and open your coat or jacket if you are wearing one to appear larger. Take hold of small children so they do not run. Yell at the cougar. If it approaches, throw rocks or sticks at it.
For more information on cougars in Wisconsin, go to the DNR's "cougar sightings" web page at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/cougar/sightings.htm. Individuals who have observed cougars in Wisconsin, especially if they have obtained photos, are urged to report cougars on the "Rare Mammal Observation form" on the Cougar Web site.
Photo from DNR
