A Mountain Lion Has Traveled All The Way To Illinois From Nebraska

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A mountain lion appears to be making his way across Illinois — a rare and exciting event for local conservationists — as part of a larger journey through the Midwest.

The young male was detected Wednesday morning on the western edge of Springfield, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The animal hails from Nebraska, where he was captured and fitted with a GPS collar last fall by the state’s Game and Parks Commission, according to the department. Illinois and Nebraska authorities are in cooperation as the mountain lion continues to travel. He moved through western McDonough County and is believed to have spent time in Cass County before coming to Springfield.

“These animals can cover great distances,” the Department of Natural Resources said in a Facebook post. “The mountain lion traveled all the way through Nebraska and Iowa without incident. It’s hard telling how far he will continue to travel if we here in Illinois leave him alone.”

Mountain lions were eliminated from Illinois more than 150 years ago due to habitat loss and overharvest, according to the department. Sightings are reported each year, but most turn out to be feral cats or bobcats. Earlier in the month, a mountain lion was hit by a car and killed on Interstate 88 in Kane County, the Daily Herald reported at the time.

Mountain lions have been protected in Illinois since 2015 and it is illegal to hunt, kill or harass them unless they pose an imminent threat to people or property, according to the department.

The mountain lion from Nebraska has had no reported conflicts with humans, including when it passed through the outskirts of Lincoln, the state’s capital city, according to the department.

“However, should you encounter a mountain lion and the animal does not immediately flee, remember to stand tall, wave your arms, throw stones or other objects, and yell,” the department said. “Do not run — slowly back away from the location, keeping an eye on the animal.”

To learn more about mountain lions in Illinois, go to https://bit.ly/3f7hxXN.