DNR: Cougar likely 'completely wild'
MILTON--The Milton-area cougar is likely a wild animal that could have roamed here from South Dakota, the state Department of Natural Resources announced today.
The conclusion is based on genetic testing that indicates the cougar seen in January east of Milton is a male of North American origin, according to the DNR.
“The Milton cougar is of North American origin and based on genetically sampled local populations, is most similar to South Dakota cougars,” DNR mammal ecologist Adrian Wyedeven said in a statement. “But because not all cougar populations have been adequately sampled, it could still be from some other population in North America.”
No component of South American origin was found in the cougar’s genetics, which would have indicated a cougar of captive origin.
“While the genetics of North American origin and possible connection with South Dakota cougars does not eliminate the possibility of captive origins, it does make it more likely that the cougar is completely wild,” Wyedeven said.
People who spot a cougar or its tracks should report them to the nearest DNR office or directly to the DNR cougar Web site at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/mammals/cougar/sightings.htm.
Mar 27, 2008 at 6:28 p.m.
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Cougars Gone Wild!!! You won’t BELIEVE what we’ve packed into this video! You’ll see the HOTTEST cougars baring it all - AND MORE!!!
Mar 27, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
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It's wild now, no matter where it came from.
Mar 27, 2008 at 9:19 a.m.
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Lets hope he doesn't get as big as this one:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/mou...
Mar 27, 2008 at 7:58 a.m.
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I was told by a DNR gentleman that the population in South Dakota is expanding and new off spring have to move out of the territory to survive. So they began to roam sometimes as packs to survive. With large domination in a concentrated area food becomes scarce. This is why it is not a surprise to see these animals in this part of the country. I am sure as time moves on we will see more of these animals.
Mar 27, 2008 at 6:11 a.m.
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pizzaman, what they are saying is that it is not someones captive cougar that got loose or was released, it is wild, before the test it was most likely it was not a wild cougar.
Mar 27, 2008 at 6:10 a.m.
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this is its home now, as long as some idiot doesnt shoot it, I talked to the warden in fort atkinson the other day and he told me if someone does happen to shoot this animal they better have claw marks up and down their back or have physical evidence to prove it was in self defense or your going to jail for 2-5 years.
Mar 26, 2008 at 10:22 p.m.
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I feel sorry for the animal and hope he makes it back to his home.
Mar 26, 2008 at 5:51 p.m.
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It would be awsome to get some photo's of this animal
Mar 26, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
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cool.
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