Cougar Sightings

The Wisconsin DNR is interested in receiving reports on cougar observations in the state. People who have observations of cougars are urged to report them on this web site using the rare mammal observation form. Details of the exact location, time, date, and description of the animal are especially important. Pictures of the animals and their tracks are also greatly appreciated. Pictures of suspected tracks should have a ruler or other measuring tool in the photo. Biological samples that can be tested for genetics may also be very useful. These could include scats, hair samples, other body parts, or remains of prey species. Samples should be gathered in airproof containers and people should avoid any skin contact of biological samples. The DNR should be contacted before any samples are shipped.

2009 Cougar Observations

Tracks on Pepin County Farm could be cougar

Animal tracks found near a farm family’s livestock pen this past week in Pepin County were left by a large cat, probably a cougar, biologists with the state Department of Natural Resources reported. Conservation biologist Adrian Wydeven, the DNR’s leading cougar expert, examined photographs of the tracks and concluded they could not have been left by a large dog. They clearly belong to a large cat, he said. Additional photographs were taken by a DNR warden and a DNR wildlife biologist. Read more...

Whereabouts of northwest Wisconsin cougar a mystery

It has been a month since Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials tried unsuccessfully to place a radio collar on a cougar or mountain lion in western Washburn County. The current location of the large cat is unknown and is Wisconsin’s second verified cougar sighting in 14 months. More...

DNR confirms mountain lion in Burnett County

The Department of Natural Resources is investigating a confirmed sighting of a mountain lion this past week west of Spooner in Burnett County. Conservation Warden Dave Zebro was contacted by a dog hunter on Tuesday, March 3 who had pursued and treed an adult male mountain lion the previous day. With the assistance of other dog hunters, a team of DNR biologists again treed the animal on March 4th. An attempt to capture the animal failed. More...

2008 Cougar Observations

• Milton Cougar was the same as the Chicago Cougar (April 30, 2008)
• Milton cougar of North American origin (March 26, 2008)
• DNR investigating cougar tracks in Walworth County (March 14, 2008)
• Sighting in Town of Milton: DNR monitoring possible cougar in Rock county (January 22, 2008)

Reports

Rare Mammal Observations 2006 [PDF 390KB]
Cougar Observations in Wisconsin 1994-2003 [PDF; exit DNR]