The Department of Natural Resources investigates cougar attack on a cow. DNR wildlife biologist Adrian Wydevan says the cougar which attacked a cow in Juneau County probably traveled a long distance. “If it’s a wild animal, and that’s what we’re assuming at this point, it most likely originated from the Dakotas or western Nebraska,” Wydevan says, adding that it’s that there is a breeding population of cougars in Wisconsin at this time.
As for the animal in the Juneau County attack, Wydeban says plans are to capture it and euthanize it. “We’re interested in possibilities of cougars establishing in Wisconsin, but we’re very concerned about any cougars that start becoming killers of livestock.” In the Juneau County incident on Saturday, the cougar was chased off by a turkey hunter, but the cow had to be euthanized because of its injuries. Wild cougars probably disappeared from the state by about 1910, but there have been numerous reports in recent years that the big predators may be reentering the state.
AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60) AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:60 MP3)