DNR photo
DNA testing has confirmed at least four of the big cats have made their way into Wisconsin since 2008 and residents have reported dozens of cougar sightings. DNR wildlife biologist Adrian Wydeven says the agency is working to develop policies to handle those growing reports.
Wydeven says they want to make sure that when cougars come into the state and people report it, the DNR wants to be able to quickly respond to making a positive identification and possibly even track where the animal is heading.
The four confirmed cougars have all been male and were not native to Wisconsin. One ended up being shot after wandering into the Chicago area and the whereabouts of the other three are unknown
Wydeven says there have been reports of livestock being attacked here in Wisconsin, although the danger to humans is no worse than it is with other predatory animals in the state.
Wydeven says the public is encouraged to report any suspected sightings of a cougar in their area, which can be done on the DNR’s website.