Buffalo County Cougar
Posted by: Loren Coleman on July 23rd, 2012
A cougar is roaming western Wisconsin’s Buffalo County.
The cougar was photographed by an outdoorsman using a trail camera on land between Gilmanton and Mondovi after dark Saturday, July 21, 2012. A biologist from the Wisconsin DNR verified the sighting after discovering tracks in the area.
It’s only the second verified cougar sighting in Wisconsin this year. The DNR has been able to confirm visits from just six male cougars to the state since 2008.
The Winona Daily News reports the DNR hasn’t been able to find additional evidence that would allow it to track the cougar.
The DNR says cougars rarely attack humans, but if you encounter one, don’t run. Instead, face the cougar and spread your arms to appear larger.
The DNR also recommends yelling or throwing rocks and sticks.
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“The DNR has been able to confirm visits from just six male cougars to the state since 2008.”
Just six?!! How many couldn’t they confirm? Wisconsin DNR is pretty thorough–don’t be trying to jack deer out of season— but that number seems to point to a pretty decent population.
Maybe we’ll get a better idea just how far cougars are establishing themselves now that the Standard Issue Response of all wildlife officials east of the Rockies isn’t:
Have another drink, and you might see its mate!
I know you aren’t supposed to run if you see a cougar but couldn’t help but make me think of an old Robert Schimmel joke, “You know what they say you’re supposed to so if you’re being attacked by a shark? You’re supposed to punch him in the face. Yeah, and when that doesn’t work, you can poke him in the eye with your stump.”