i heard it was a leopard

ive been gone the last few weeks, but justthefacts, you dont have all the facts but whats printed on websites out there, I can absolutely 100% guarantee that the dnr reintroduced wolves to the northern counties, im not saying there werent any there before and that alot did not come in on their own but i am 100% sure that the dnr reintroduced some wolves to the areas. I have relatives that took part in the management plan employed by the Wisconsin DNR.

gabby06
On the contrary...I have no desire to bash you, and for the most part I agree with you. My hang up on the "technical things" has more to due with providing facts and truth, so we can all base our decision on them (to form an educated and accurately informed opinion). When folks out there mis-represent the facts or the science (intentionally or unintentially)it degrades our ability to do so.
The comments about the dnr and reintroductions are blatantly false...there is documented evidence to the contrary. If someone believes this it is based on either complete B.S. or "Psuedo Fact" most likely obtained down at the local watering hole by folks who have nothing better to do than make crap up. I am an avid hunter and fishermen and general outdoor enthusiast; and there are plenty of decisions made by the State that I don't care for, but I can accept the fact that there are many out there who have a higher level of knowledge and expertise than I in many things...that obviously doesn't keep my mouth shut all the time though.

Personally I think this is amazing. Who cares about all the technical things that everyone has their own opinion on. Maybe we can finally get some interesting things in this boring ass state. I think cougars are amazing and they are interesting. Yes there are down sides to having a predator living that close to humans but think about it they were here before we were and we are the reason they no longer live here. They are just coming back to where they are from. If this cougar is by itself it is probably more scared of you than you are of it. Yes unless you are trying to get in between him and his food. Okay so come on Janesville bash everything I had to say. This is my opinion and your not going to change it, so why bother?????

There is also information suggesting there were active packs far before that...although limited in number. When Federally and State protected it doesn't take anything but some time to re-populate. So no need to "re-introduce" what wasn't necessarily ever completely gone.

miltonalum:
I disagree, based on the facts as they printed, but I would certainly be interested in reviewing your source.

Here is one of mine...the web link is listed below.
"...The Department of Natural Resources recognizes wolves as native wildlife species that are of value to natural ecosystems and benefit biological diversity of Wisconsin. The Department approved a Wolf Recovery Plan in 1989. The Plan's goal of 80 wolves was first achieved in 1995. This goal was achieved mainly through protection and public education programs, and did not require any active reintroductions into the state. ..."

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/factsheets...

actually just the facts is wrong, gray wolves were reintroduced in northern wisconsin in 1997, by 1999 there goal was a pack of 100, by 2000 they estimate that the pack was around 250. Im sure some did migrate in but the DNR did repopulate northern wisconsin with gray wolves, its just a fact.

Well I hope lulu doesn't come crying for help when this cougar attacks her, because I will have to point out that that would be unintelligent of me to do so, then I would go to 7-11 for a slurpee.

"It makes you wonder if the stories about Big Foot/Sasquatch that the DNR keeps denying could be true too". Anyone spot one of those in a barn?.... there was a spotting a couple of years ago.... also in the Lima Marsh.... maybe this "Cougar" is bigfoot's lost kitty cat

Attacks on humans by Wikipedia

Due to the growth of urban areas, cougar ranges increasingly overlap with areas inhabited by humans. Attacks on humans are rare, as cougar prey recognition is a learned behavior and they do not generally recognize humans as prey.[4] Attacks on people, livestock, and pets may occur when the cat habituates to humans. There have been 108 confirmed attacks on humans with twenty fatalities in North America since 1890, fifty of the incidents having occurred since 1991.[51][52] The heavily populated state of California has seen a dozen attacks since 1986 (after just three from 1890 to 1985), including three fatalities.[36] Attacks are most frequent during late spring and summer, when juvenile cougars leave their mothers and search for new territory.[37]

As with many predators, a cougar may attack if cornered, if a fleeing human being stimulates its instinct to chase, or if a person "plays dead". Exaggerating the threat to the animal through intense eye contact, loud but calm shouting, and any other action to appear larger and more menacing, may make the animal retreat. Fighting back with sticks and rocks, or even bare hands, is often effective in spurring an attacking cougar to disengage.[4][37]

When the cougar does attack, it usually employs its characteristic neck bite, attempting to position its teeth between the vertebrae and into the spinal cord. Neck, head, and spinal injuries are common and sometimes fatal.[4] Children are at greatest risk of attack, and least likely to survive an encounter. Detailed research into attacks prior to 1991 showed that 64% of all victims – and almost all fatalities – were children. The same study showed the highest proportion of attacks to have occurred in British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island where cougar populations are especially dense.[52]

I just killed a spider..and I meant to..I guess my IQ just dropped 10 points!

miltonalum said:
"I lived i the western states for 10 years with cougars being prominant, almost common. In the 10 years i lived there i never heard nor saw 1 story or headline saying that a child had been attacked/charged/looked at or growled at. Occasionally you would hear a story of a nuisance cougar stealing some farmers chickens or killing a sheep or two.
Anyone who is worried about their kids being atacked and carried off by this cougar or even if its 2 cougars is sadly misinformed."
----------------------------------------
I agree wholeheartedly. Just try to keep in mind (and I'm sure it's not difficult to see by viewing a couple of "intelligent" posts here), that you are not in that part of the country anymore.
Regarding this issue, my condolences.

So everyone's saying these cougars have been around for years, and the DNR has denied it.
It makes you wonder if the stories about Big Foot/Sasquatch that the DNR keeps denying could be true too. Anyone spot one of those in a barn?

to janesvillereader who said that you're more worried about pit bulls attacking you then a cougar.. are you serious? where in the world did that come from?

HMMMMMMMM, I wonder if Lulu has ever killed a fly, a mosquito, or even a defenseless little spider. If so, I quess that would make him/her an un-intelligent human according to his/her post. Now thats not to say that I think this cougar should be killed. I think it should be left alone except maybe try to monitor it. As for myself, I hunt and fish for the food and love it.

There have been several incorrect statements made in this and a related blog about the DNR and the "re-introduction" of Wolves. To set the record straight the DNR did not re-introduce wolves (this information is available on several websites). The wolves migrated backinto the state on there on (likely due to their protected status making them "off limits"). Additionally there have been several comments suggesting the DNR is responsible for the cougar being around...unlikely. Why would they, just to hear more people complain and come up with ridiculous conspiracy theories? The DNR consists of engineers, biologists, technicians, and wardens; not spies...no James Bonds, their not the NSA, they have no information to "hide", they simply do the job the citizens and government of this state have charged them with which primarily deals with the protection and regulation of our resources. And as much as "some" of us may think were smarter or know more...the fact is few of us are. Just because an accountant can change the oil in their car; doesn't make them a mechanic, anymore than some lady that knows how to shoot a 12 gauge is a specialist in anmal behavior.

That's funny. Stupidity is allowed here but sarcasm gets removed.

I saw this/a cougar twice about three years ago about five miles south of Storrs Lake. Both times I saw it were in large open areas between woodlands... the first time was during twilight in August and it dashed across the road maybe 50 yards ahead of me, sprinted across the field into the woods. The second time was the following winter -- on an afternoon with soft sunlight. It seemed rather unconcerned about me but kept an eye on me for about ten minutes; I ended up skiing a wide berth around it (about 350 yards) and it eventually wandered off into the woods. I went back to check the tracks the next day to confirm but I never bothered phoning the DNR. Frankly, I think large cats and a few wolves have been around the county since about 1992 or so because that is when I started noticing their prints. Coyotes have definitely moved in too... started hearing them at night about ten years ago. Beyond fifteen years ago I never saw any cat tracks and never heard any coyotes and I am outdoors hiking or skiing year round, day or night. The ecology(?) seems to be shift back towards the wild side which is ironic since there are so many more McMansions and small, isolated subdivisions scattered all over the county now instead of just farms. I wonder what ecologic / environmental pressures are making these animals extend their range out of South Dakota and back into the Midwest?

Lulu says "One can quickly assess the intelligent human from the un-intelligent human from reading this post. Intelligent humans don't kill things, or have the desire to... period - no exceptions."

I find that post very offensive! I have never been hunting but would love to and my entire family hunts (deer, bear, etc.). The fact that I would love to go hunting doesn't mean that I am an un-intelligent human. I am currently attending college for an Associate Degree in Accounting and in all of my classes I have had a 4.0 GPA. I don't just assume that because someone doesn't desire to go hunting that they must be dumb. Just because I would shoot it if it approached me or my children doesn't make me wrong or un-intelligent and just because someone else would choose to leave it alone doesn't make them wrong or un-intelligent. All people view things differently. They have their own opinions. An intelligent person can acknowledge that and can accept it.

Would I go to visit the zoo if it didn’t have bars and cages, taking with me my children and Toto? Did I build my house in the zoo zone, yes I did, as hundreds of others of us did/are doing because there is nowhere else for us to go.
Does a wild animal, in this case, the cougar living free near my home, my kids and pets, worry me? Yes, it does.
Having said that, this situation reminds me of the way we as civilized man, have handled most of our differences, whether it be with Man or Beast through the centuries.
We Are Here Now ~ You Have to Go!

One can assume LuLu's blanket statement against all hunters, trappers. etc. shows she is a bleeding heart PETA member. I'll take an IQ test against you, and that venison I had last week was delicious.

One can quickly assess the intelligent human from the un-intelligent human from reading this post. Intelligent humans don't kill things, or have the desire to... period - no exceptions.

Just had to open that can of worms didn't ya!!!

Oh boy, here we go!!!!

I'm sure it's one of those damn liberal cougars. Probably offended by Craig High School's use of the cougar mascot.

LMAO! Everyone panic! Hide your children! Arm yourselves! Stock up on canned goods and barricade yourself in your compound! It's a DNR conspiracy! Let's go have ourselves a cat-killin'....yeeeeeeeeeeeea haaaaaaaaaaaaaaw.

Stupid rednecks.

fiveonearth I will shoot a child molester just as fast as a cougar if "IT" walks across my land. I think, and maybe I am wrong, The people that want to protect this wild animal live in town. The people that want to protect themselves from this and other wild predators live in the country where these animal prey. I think the more publicity this gets the greater risk there is going to be with someone getting hurt. Some peta tree hugger is going to want to pet the kitty and then wham, tree hugger is lunch. They have been around for years with no problem because the peta freeks did not know about them.

This area can more than support a cougar, there are so many deer that a predator will only help the DEEr population. IF i were everyone here worried about this cougar id be more worried about the wolves that are migrating down this way, already spotted by Johnson Creek and migrating south, within 5 years i predict wolves will be common sight around here, the DNR wont admit it but if youve hunted up north you know that wolves are impacting the hunting season greatly and its a matter of time before they get down here.

If this is a wild cougar which is just moving through an area of land, and living like a wild cougar, good for it. There is probably little threat in a truly wild animal. However, if this is an escaped domesticated cougar or an animal accustomed to people we have a real problem. This animal would have been raised close to people and would see us as a source for food. He would stick close to farms and subdivisions and look for an easy meal. This is the type of animal which would be scared out of a haymow, not running in the distance across an expansive tract of public hunting land or state forest.

I remember seeing some kind of big cat years ago when we were trail riding down by Storr's Lake....I think it was in '97 or '98. This cat had long black hairs at the tips of it's ears...I thought it was a bobcat.

I believe the area in which the cougar was spotted is most likely sufficient enough for the creature. Yeah, it's not out west by anymeans. But there are plenty of woods and other lands for it to roam. Enjoy nature my e.m.t friend

I am going to say that this story is not going to end well. We have a wild or feral cougar in an area which cannot support it. This will end in finding a road killed cougar, or people hunting down a cougar which is trying to survive in an area which cannot support it. This animal if released from the care of people, will end up in another haymow, or chicken coop. If this is a wild cougar, it will find easy prey in hiding from people and preying on foals and calves.

Ya know, the funniest thing about all of this? Is that nobody cared or even knew this cougar was around till this story broke. Nobody was freaking out when any of the past sightings had happened and word travels pretty fast around here!! How many people here actually would have seen it? yeah, you might keep an eye on your kids a little more outside. But the truth is as long as this cat has probably been around, nothing has happened except for a few deer getting eaten, they probably had CWD anyways. BIG DEAL!!! Leave it alone... and it will leave you alone!!!

Grumpy, good up bringing, I was raised the same way. We farmed and hunted, most of our food came from what we grew in the garden, raised on the farm and hunted in the woods. We only hunted what our family would eat (I am still that way today.) I keep hearing that this is a dangerous animal. Well, yes it could be if provoked. As could just about any other animal out there. Any animal could attack if provoked,to defend itself, as would just about any human out there. A chipmunk will bite if you corner it and try to catch it. As far as anyone knows, this cougar has not caused any problems. I think if anything should be done at all at this point is maybe try to monitor it, maybe try to learn its territory, and if it has a mate, why it is in this area. If in fact it is wild and not an escaped animal, the reason it may be in the area is to find its own territory to roam. I believe these cats are loner animals other than mating, and I do believe they cover quite an area to hunt and live. If in fact that is why it is in the area. I would think there should be plenty of wildlife for this cougar to prey on. On a personal note. The way this world is today, I would feel more at ease spending a night in the woods with a cougar around the area than walking the streets at night in many of our cities.

Stupidisassstupiddoes and 1919 eternal are among the many who state that these cougars have been around for years. If so, where are all the reports of the victims of these so-called vicious beasts?
"They should be shot on sight before something happens. These animals will attack unprovoked," says stupidisassstupiddoes. Others say shoot the "beasts" before they can eat our children. I agree with janesvillereader who is more concerned about a bulldog than the "elusive" cougars, but I say lets take the guns against the sexual predators and child molesters. I'll bet they've killed more children than cougars. Now google that. And while you're at it, google how many mosquitoes have killed people and children, should we start blowing our shotguns all over this summer? In fact mosquitoes have killed more people than any other animal (I don't know if humans killing other humans counts). Next is snakes, then killer bees. Hmmm, is there any ammo smaller than BBs? How else we gonna hunt these killers?

For good information, google "killed by a cougar". Briefly, most victims have been children who were either alone or with other children.

Why is there all this fear?
The Cat was there last week, and none of you wanted to kill it. There is plenty of food for the cat to eat, though it may take a lamb or 2, so calm down. You are more apt to accidentally hit it with your car, then to be walking through Milton with your 30-06 Browning Medallian w/ Leupold Scope on it.
As for "fixing" it Long_Time, I don't see the situation as broken.
No one needs to pull a Jimbo and Ned, and yell "IT'S COMIN' RIGHT FOR US"

. "Do you know that if the child shows no fear that a wild animal will take them in. My uncle knows. He spent the night with a bear and cougar when he was 4 and he lived to tell the tail!"-Grumpyheart2002

I think I saw that. The bear was Baloo and the Panther Bagheera. How is uncle Mowgli?

Whatever happened to respecting the land and the creatures that live on it? When did humans become a superior species that everything better just get out of way because here we come? These animals were here a long time before we were and I, for one, would be honored to see it in it's natural habitat. As for it attacking I'd be more leary of running into a "helpless little coon" than I would the cougar.

I tawt i taw a puddy tat. the more we build the more we are forcing these wild animals out of there habitat. any animal can attack someone. id be more worried about a pit bull atacking me then a cougar.

I think that it is incredible to have one of these majestic cats in our vicinity! I am all for reintroducing animals such as this into our environment again. It is possible to live together safely and harmoniously, as long as we act responsible and appreciate what nature has to offer!

I lived i the western states for 10 years with cougars being prominant, almost common. In the 10 years i lived there i never heard nor saw 1 story or headline saying that a child had been attacked/charged/looked at or growled at. Occasionally you would hear a story of a nuisance cougar stealing some farmers chickens or killing a sheep or two.

Anyone who is worried about their kids being atacked and carried off by this cougar or even if its 2 cougars is sadly misinformed. I realize all it takes is once to become a trajedy but unless you corner this animal and leave it no option its going to run for the hills before you even know its there. Anyone who thinks they are a vigilante and wants to kill this "beast" or claims they would kill it on the spot if they saw it hunting is just an idiot

etown there is nothing to be afraid of. This animal has not attacked. And probably wont. The guy in the barn scared the daylights out of it. These animals have been in wisconsin for generations. It just now made the news. The DNR needs to wake up and realize people need to be informed on these animals and try to live in insistence with them. Will you attace if your provoked? I know I would. This animal is not going to harm anyone if the right procautions are taken. Like staying out of harms way. It hasnt attacked no one yet and its been here how long?

why are people worring about this cat attacking I believe the coyotes are probably more agresssive than this one- two cats.if they go after deer less road kill on the highways. i think deer population is high anyway. so the hunters will one get one tag.

I think I speak for Ricky Bobby when I say "There's a #@*^!^* COUGAR in the car!"

Seriously though, as a resident in that area, I'm a little frightened to let my dog outside or have children playing outside.

I was just reading an article and the Ho-Chuck nation have reported that cougars have been in wisconsin for millions of years. Maybe they are just to follow the food like the indians followed the food when they had the freedom to live their way.

So I guess we should shoot all bulldogs because they COULD hurt a human?

I see the gun sales at Gander Mountain skyrocketing soon!!! I would be willing to bet there is more than one putty tat roaming this area. There have been reports of these "sightings" for years. A guy I know on Vickerman Rd got a picture of a long, 3 or 4 foot tail on his trail camera about 3 years ago. These cats are very elusive animals and avoid humans at all cost.....unless PROVOKED!!!

Coon are good eating. If you know how to cook them. It is ok to hunt and kill something if you use the meat for food and the hide to keep warm. Apparantly some people forget that. I am half indian. So yes I was taught to use everything I hunt. But also like my ancestors spotting a certain animals means something. And cougar means purity and sacredness. And those that see it means it will come unto you.

My children play outside by themselves? NO

bbricnic (aka one of my fans with many usernames)- Sorry, not a drinker.
Grumpyheart- so I would make myself look stupid by shooting an animal that would have no issues eating my livestock or a child for.... but you kill helpless little coons?? Respectfully, how do you decide which species is OK to kill? In my opinion, a raccoon is minding his/her own business as well, and chasing it with a predator (a clutch of baying hounds) is a horribly stressful way to be dispatched.
I never said I was going to hunt or seek out this cat- first off, I would never trespass on someone else's land. Second, the only way I see fit to handle this cat is to dispatch it. ANd if it were on my land, I would shoot it. If it snatched a prize colt, I doubt the DNR is going to give me market price for a show colt, which can range from $5000-15,000.

Thanks RC and no I am of the younger generation but have been taught well by my father. As for you avid, do you let your children go out to play by themselves? I myself have small children and know many stories from when my dad and his brothers and sisters were small. Do you know that if the child shows no fear that a wild animal will take them in. My uncle knows. He spent the night with a bear and cougar when he was 4 and he lived to tell the tail! So tell me whos more frightened you or your children. Cause I would put the bet on your kids!

I live in an area that is very secluded, lots of woods around me. As a matter of fact two miles down from Lima Marsh. I can't see any houses where I live. I see deer run in my back yard. I also have two young children that want to play outside all the time. If my children or yours are threatened by a cougar, I don't care who you are, you or I will shoot that cat. Animals are very unpredictable even the dog you have had for 10 years! Never trust an animal. Big story or not, my children are the ones I will protect first not the cat!!

Grumpy I get the sense you are from the older generation. Maybe I've been around my grandfather to long, but I know he would say the same thing. Preservation, Preservation, Preservation. I can't agree with you more.

I did forget to mention however, that the match making process would not take place without avid hunters equipped with tranquilizers, and a few expert rock throwers.

Observe the creature, don't kill it. By people stalking it, you're only asking for it. : (

The problem is, is that people try to make themselves known in the public. This is a big story and now everyone is on the hunt. They want to be known in public as the one who shot the cougar and saved the day. What are you saving exactly? Your just making yourself look stupid for killing a creature that is minding its own business. I have had a run in with these cats coon hunting. The dogs trapped it. I took the dogs and walked the other way and the cat went on its marry way. Yes its scary but they are part of our society now so live with it. So for those thinking they will attack no matter what! Thats not true. Live with it. Let nature take its course. You think this animal is bothering you, your wrong.

I don't believe anywhere in that message I asked/wanted to volunteer. If need be though, for the greater good of the cougar population, and matching making purposes I would. ahaha. Some sort of cougar population would be good for the control of the deer herd, that is so abundant in the area.

These animal have been in southern wisconsin for years believe it or not. They should be shot on sight before something happens. These animals will attack unprovoked. They are a predator and should be treated that way. I would rather shoot it and face the consequences than not shoot it and loose a loved one.

Finally the wilderness returns to Rock County! For those of you thinking of killing this animal, its wrong. It has not killed anyone or hurt anyone. Why not let it be? If your stupid enough to corner the cat and then get what you get. Let the poor creature be. It has done nothing so do nothing. Why not try to preserve its territory than to think of bad things to do to a beautiful living thing.

"Yes 90% of the time the animal will run away but I sure wouldn't want to be the one standing in front of the animal when it's the 10%."

Well said Coyote Hunter.

As long as we have snow cover, my money is on Coyote, Truth, and Evansville Housewife to "fix" the situation.

And bergie may be on to something...the DNR reintroduced elk, then decided to reintroduce the wolves. Then they were puzzled why elk calves were dissappearing.

CWD = Cougars with Deer...hmmmmmmm.

A few miles from Lima Marsh-I was on my way to the barn to feed our steer. I have to say this cougar entered my mind. I'm not sure what action I would take if I encountered it in my hay mow. I guess if it didn't run and jump out the window, I would throw more than a rock in its direction. BANG!!SSS

I am one of the individuals in Jefferson County who found the tracks. At first glance I thought they were wolf tracks due to their size. A closer look in the snow revealed that there were no claw prints and a traditional feline shap to the track, only in the neighborhood of 4" long. We quickly came to the mountain lion conclusion. One of the local landowners has said that the deer in the area are very spooked lately. A mountain lion would explain that. Does the animal concern me? Yes as it is a large predator that MAY attack a human. A mountain lion will bury a deer kill and be in the area until the meat goes bad. I would not want to be the one standing between a mountain lion and it's food. Yes 90% of the time the animal will run away but I sure wouldn't want to be the one standing in front of the animal when it's the 10%.

e-ville housewife mabye you could go out and tango with the kitty you seem more fired up than usual it might relieve some agression.

Chances are there are two, a male and a female that the Destroyer of Natural Resourses released into the area to reduce the dangerous deer herd. Once propagated, deer would be almost extinct.

i think evansvillehousewife needs to head to the night owl and have a few cocktails and relax for the evening

Gladiator... are you volunteering to grab the kitty and check under it's tail?

Well JB you would know if it was coyote tracks, they are considerably smaller than a cougar. But non the less it would have been exciting. I am very excited to have such a predator in the area. Maybe introducing mate into the area would be considered.

AAAAAHHHHHHh!
*Grabs M-16, hides behind bunker*
The cougar is coming.....

Over 140 pounds? WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
I wonder what it's been eating.

DNR official Deny, Deny, Deny Speak

In 2006, the department received at least 102 reports of cougar sightings, but 16 of those were determined “not likely.”
Not Likely = We told them it was a UFO
Four were classified as “probable,”
Probable = We're sorry you feel that way
with 82 classified “possible.”
Possible = S#@*

The DNR would not call it a cougar before all the info was in, unless they knew already. Then we get the backspeak again, "If it is a cougar,"

Remember, the DNR denied the wolves had moved into other areas, until carcasses started showing up on the interstate.

What are they really stating? The public and sportsmen are stupider than us.

“If it is a wild cougar, it would be rather exciting to have a predator like this back in the state again,” said Doug Fendry, wildlife supervisor.
____________________________

The silliness continues....
____________________________

"The DNR is asking for the public’s help to gather information on the animal, its habits and range."
____________________________

OK, so tie a porkchop 'round the neck of your dog and let Rover out for his morning duty. If the leash is retrieved with nothing but a rabies tag and a collar, the DNR will send out a tracker.
________________________________

With something like this, we kind of let nature do its thing,” Fendry said.
_______________________________

DNR, why start now? Does that mean no more CWD gun blasts?

If you put your faith in the DNR's expertise, then best to keep your dogs, your children away from "wild" areas, like Bowers, of Gibbs, or any other nature preserves.

Wow! What's even more interesting is that a friend and I were rabbit hunting near Bowers Lake Road 2 weekends ago and we kept running into these 'tracks.' I assumed it was a dog or coyote chasing rabbits. Could it have been this Cougar!? Unreal.