Verified Iowa Cougar passing through the State and the 2nd confirmed Cougar sighting in Michigan's Upper peninsula is recorded(likely same animal photographed earlier in September of this year).................These males need a couple of lady cougars to set up shop with...............How long will it take for female cougars to migrate East along with the "fellas"??????...........Too long for my comfort................some rewilding necessary to speed up the process!!

Update: Iowa DNR says mountain lion photo no cause for alarm

Iowa DNR officials say this mountain lion, photographed in Clinton County, is only looking for two things: food and female mountain lions.The date and time on the picture are incorrect due to the camera settings. The photograph was actually taken Sept. 17. / 

Written by

Regina Zilbermints

Officials have confirmed a photo of a mountain lion in Clinton County is legitimate.

A trail camera belonging to a landowner, who Iowa Department of Natural Resources said didn't want to be identified, captured the image Sept. 17.

The date and time on the picture are incorrect due to the camera settings. The photograph was actually taken Sept. 17.
But officials say the young male mountain lion may not stick around.

After all, he's only looking for two things: food and female mountain lions. And he isn't likely to be satisfied with the selection of either in eastern Iowa.

The animal likely wandered over from a western state and will keep going until he can stake out a territory that suits him, said Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Vince Evelsizer. Mountain lions like to travel in river corridors.

And while he's in Iowa, he'll probably continue to avoid people, Evelsizer said.................................."A mountain lion tends to be a very secretive, shy animal that prefers to be left alone as far as dealing with people," he said. "They don't like to be around people at all, they see people as a threat."
The area the picture was taken in is a rural, wooded area, along the Wapsipinicon River.

Evelsizer said officials don't want to alarm the public, just make them aware of the situation.

"We would advise people to use common sense precautions. They should continue to enjoy the outdoors in the area and not be alarmed. But they should know one may be around there," Evelsizer said.
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Cougar sighting in Michigan, would you know what to do?

 The DNR today confirmed a cougar has been sighted in Michigan. If you came into contact with a cougar would you know what to do?

The cougar was first spotted September 24 on a Houghton County trail camera where it showed the animal wearing a radio collar.

"This is almost certainly the same cat as was confirmed in Ontonogan County on Sept. 8." said Adam Bump, a wildlife biologist with the DNR's Cougar Team. "What is also interesting is that the Wisconsin DNR earlier verified two trail camera pictures of this cat as it passed through Wisconsin on its way to the UP."

Only western states currently collar cougars for research, so the animal may have travelled a long distance to end up in Michigan. It is not yet confirmed, however where the cougar is from.
More details about this cougar will be released to the public by the DNR as they become available.

If you came into contact with a cougar would you know what to do?

The DNR recommends:
- Stop, stand tall, pick up small children and DO NOT run. A cougar's instinct is to chase.
- Do not approach the animal.
- Try to appear larger than the cougar. DO NOT take your eyes off the animal or turn your back. DO NOT crouch down or try to hide.
- Should wave your arms and throw rocks if the cougar acts aggressively.
- Fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet if the cat attacks. DO NOT play dead.
Reports of cougar tracks and other evidence should be made to a local DNR office or by calling the department's 24-hour Report All Poaching line at 800-292-7800