Two confirmed cougar sightings in Langlade County
RHINELANDER, Wis. -- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources biologists
have confirmed two cougar sightings in Langlade County in northern
Wisconsin.
On July 27, the department received a trail camera photo from a Langlade
County landowner of a cougar taken July 9.
This cougar was captured on a trail camera in Langlade County July 9, 2015.
(contributed photo)
On Aug. 3, a second Langlade County landowner submitted a trail camera photo
of a cougar - this photo was also taken July 9.
This cougar was captured on a trail camera in Langlade County July 9, 2015
(contributed photo)
After site evaluations, DNR staff confirmed the location of each photo.
These photos were taken roughly six miles apart at a 20-hour interval.
Genetic evidence suggests cougars known to have entered Wisconsin are male
cougars dispersing from a breeding population in the Western United States.
There is currently no evidence that cougars are breeding in Wisconsin.
Cougars are a protected species in Wisconsin and hunting is not allowed.
Cougars are not considered a threat to public safety, and in the unlikely
event that a person is confronted by a cougar, face the animal and spread
your arms and open your coat or jacket to appear larger. If a cougar
approaches, make noise and throw rocks or sticks.
Individuals who observe cougars in Wisconsin are urged to report their
findings using the Rare Mammal Observation
form<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/MammalObsForm.asp>. For more
information, visit dnr.wi.gov<http://dnr.wi.gov/> and search keyword
"cougar."